The need for Community Cohesion and Democratic Dialogue

Join us for the third webinar in a four part webinar series examining the crucial role that adult education will play in the rebuild of society.

The webinar

Increased inequality of income and wealth was one of the factors behind the global financial crisis of 2007-2009, with the new super-wealthy demanding new financial ‘products’ with which to speculate, while others turned to debt as their earnings stagnated, creating a toxic mix of debt and risk, with the wealthy gambling in the hope of becoming wealthier still, and when the gambles failed and banks collapsed, the costs were paid not by those who had gambled and lost, but by the taxpayer.

This was followed by ten years – a lost decade – of austerity, during which income and wealth inequality was joined by regional inequalities, exacerbated by the austerity cuts. Many communities felt ‘left behind’. Faith and
engagement in the political system suffered. Key to regional resilience and an engaged electorate is education and discussion, across the age range and across the country. These issues will be discussed in the context of the crises that society and communities face – including the climate crisis.

Confirmed speakers

• Dame Helen Ghosh, Master of Balliol College, Oxford (Chair)
• Dr Cilla Ross, Principal and CEO, The Co-operative College (Facilitator)
• Dame Mary Beard, Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge
• Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE, Chairman of the Shaw Trust
• Melissa Benn, journalist

Book your place

To help us with numbers, we're asking everyone to book their free place below. After booking you'll be sent a zoom link to join the meeting. Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment!