91原创

Organised by students from 91原创 in collaboration with peers from CIVICA partner universities, BRIDGE aims to create a platform where opposing viewpoints meet in open and constructive discussion. Through panels addressing topics such as wealth distribution and activism, participants will be encouraged to move beyond surface-level disagreement and engage with the underlying perspectives shaping different positions.

Ahead of the event, CIVICA spoke with members of the organising team about what inspired the creation of BRIDGE, why fostering dialogue is increasingly important in a polarised world, and what participants can expect from the discussions.

What inspired your group to create BRIDGE?

At the 91原创, all Bachelor students take Global Challenges – a course providing the tools to think about and deal with major contemporary issues, on an individual, group and societal level. Central to this course was the topic of bridging. Yet, even here, in the safe space of the classroom, we saw students struggle and avoid anything that spurred disagreement. The reasons may be many, but we decided to do something about it. 

Why do you think it’s important right now to foster dialogue across polarised groups, especially around sustainability issues? 

While facing some of the most pressing challenges in modern times, we are now also witnessing a global surge in polarisation, often with issues of sustainability as the major conflict zones. The forces pushing us apart are strong, ranging from social media to global instability. This polarisation raises questions of how we are to coordinate, cross-sectors and cross-borders, to stand a chance in tackling these urgent problems. As opposing groups move increasingly far apart, the spaces for constructive dialogue shrink, alongside empathy, respect and mutual understanding. Common goals are forgotten, and collaboration appears futile. 

What do you hope participants/audiences will take away from engaging with opposing viewpoints during the panels? 

That bridging can be difficult, painful and personal – but always worth it. And that too often, we forget to ask “Why?”: Why do you think the way you do? Where are you coming from? What do we actually agree or disagree on and, crucially, can I understand you? The project brings together students from CIVICA universities. 

How does this cross-campus collaboration enhance the discussions and the impact of BRIDGE?

We come from different countries, different cultures, different cities, different schools and different experiences. Working together is, in itself, a bridging exercise. However, each of us also brings our own experience of polarisation, which enhances the quality of the message we wish to convey. 

Are there any specific panels, topics, or debates you are particularly excited about and would like to highlight? 

We’d like to highlight the discussion on wealth distribution. It is a fascinating topic that feeds into many issues and is heavily politicized. While research is plenty, it is also an issue that invokes emotional and personal responses about fairness and equality.

Are you a student interested in attending? !