Dirk Barrez

Speaker
Dutch
French
English
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Who is Dirk Barrez?

He is an author and chief editor of PALA.be, which is a popular newsletter and website that tries to find solutions for a more social, ecological and democratic world. He spent over 20 years working as TV journalist and documentary maker for the VRT, and played an important role in programmes such as Panorama and Terzake.

Very few people are able to forecast and understand new developments as he can: from globalisation and the financial crisis, to the need for transition and cooperative enterprise. This clear insight is reflected in enlightening and enduring books and documentaries, as well as countless lectures that enable people to better understand the world around them.
Besides being a journalist, he is an active citizen and social entrepreneur who has (helped to) set up many initiatives such as the TransitieNetwerk Middenveld and the TransitieFestival.

    Our welfare in the future: the transition

    “Make sure your company or organisation does not miss out on the future, and share your ideas about the fascinating transition that lies ahead. Life is good in the welfare state. But this good life is threatening the future of our planet”, says Dirk Barrez in his lecture, which refers to his recent book. Climate change, depletion of raw materials, famine, inequality, failing economies, absence of government, wars, refugee crises... we are pushing the limits of what people and our planet can bear. Are we trapped in the perfect dilemma? Either be socially equitable and blow up the whole planet, or be ecologically sustainable while billions live in poverty?

    Dirk Barrez does not think so. The answer? Transition. A quick switch to a reliable, stable economy that will create wellbeing with a tenfold reduction in gas emissions and the use of raw materials by 2050. This will be a fantastic journey and a fascinating challenge.

    Recapture the economy: the power of cooperatives

    Cooperative companies last surprisingly longer than conventional companies, provide more sustainable work, are better at distributing wealth and are more effective at stimulating local economies. Cooperatives already have 1 billion members and are helping to construct a sustainable economy. Societies would be insane to ignore cooperatives.

    Dirk takes you on an amazing journey of discovery. He informs you about cooperative companies such as Coop and Migros, which are by far the most dominant supermarkets in Switzerland and make the country surprisingly different. For instance, the country scores extremely well in terms of bio products, regional products, fair trade and eco-labels.

    Oh no, a Utopian! Yes, of course, a Utopian

    The fact that many aspects of our world – such as democracy, freedom, equality, knowledge, security and creation and distribution of prosperity - have improved in recent centuries can be greatly attributed to the power of utopias.

    In 2008, Dirk wrote ‘Van eiland tot wereld, een verkenning van de staat van de wereld en hoe hem beter te maken’ (From island to world: discovering our world and how to make it better). This programme for a human society reflects his actual Utopia, with numerous essential alternatives such as a participative democracy for active citizens (also at economic level), the expansion of a socio-ecological economy, global social security, a basic income for everyone and a bundle of environmental user rights.

    Before anyone is put off (oh no, a Utopian!), these specific utopias have nothing to do with totalitarian disasters and excesses, but everything to do with the power of improvement. Dirk Barrez invites you to discover them and also to share your ideas about them… Don’t kid yourself that things can’t be done differently.

    11 political folly: shocking and motivational

    This presentation adopts a critical perspective, but never descends into political point-scoring. On the contrary; it is an invitation to exchange ideas about how people can look beyond political arguments and elections in order to create a sustainable future. Because our politicians cannot do it alone.

    Gain insight into the serious failing of our politicians. They have neglected to prepare for the future in the most vital domains. Dirk Barrez presents his book ‘11 politieke dwaasheden. 50 jaar schuldig verzuim van onze politici' (11 political follies. 50 years of negligence by our politicians).

We have all had a fantastic study day. We already knew that guest speaker Dirk Barrez is a great addition to any event, but he confirmed that once again this year. This was the third time that we had booked Dirk Barrez. The themes and topics he addresses really fascinate us.

Eddy De Wit

ACV Public services De Watergroep

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