The old aspiration? Independence.
The new reality: Interdependence.

Every challenge we face today from climate and crime to technology and markets, and communications and public health is global in character. Yet the institutions of democracy we rely on to address these challenges are still locked up inside sovereign states pursuing the old logic of independence. But in an interdependent world of diseases without borders, we also need citizens without borders – democracy without borders. Which means if we are to survive interdependence and flourish in liberty, we must either globalize democracy or democratize globalization.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Brussels in September for Interdependence Day VI. This year's discussions and forums were thought provoking and the events will be ones to remember for years to come. For those who are interested - much of the video footage from our panels and events are already online and can be found at http://civworld.blip.tv
 
This year's Interdependence Day forum and celebration was held between September 09-13 with more than 100 speaking panelists and arts participants from over 25 countries (including Libya, India, Morocco, Poland, Hungary, Georgia and Turkey). Unique to this year, we were not only able to explore the local communities of Brussels, particularly in diverse neighborhoods like Molenbeek and Schaerbeek but we were also privileged to have active and interesting input from the local community on a grand scale. The opening evening gathered more than 750 people at Kaaitheater for an introduction to Interdependence while the Ramadan meal on the 10th of September included more than 150 participants from across Brussels. This year our discussions brought together hundreds of local and international guests together to debate, interact and discuss topics important to us all and has helped widen our reach and expand our understanding.   
 
The introduction of the Youth Summit this year was particularly exciting because it opened the way towards involving young people in the future of the Interdependence (and really, our world). Youth participants took part in both the general interdependence day forums as well as holding their own sessions with remarkable discussions on culture and identity, religion, conflict prevention and a lively ninety minute discussion led by Dr. Cornel West on the relationship between the US and the world. You can read and see more about what they did at www.interdependenceyouthforum.org or join our group on Facebook. Our new young friends’ enthusiasm and dedication has not waned and has inspired us to create a new Interdependent Youth Network that will help connect young people and organizations around the globe while finding new global solutions to global problems. Find out more about it here
 
Keep an eye out for new updates including the next Art of Common Space event in New York early next year, a NYC based meeting of young local leaders and more info on Interdependence Day 2009 – Istanbul Turkey.

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