From October 8 til December 3 2024, every Tuesday evening at Stadscampus.
The programme with the names of the invited speakers will be released in August
Harbouring (in)justices? Unveiling the undercurrents of port prosperity in Antwerp and beyond
Antwerp's historical significance as a global gateway is undeniably tied to its port. For centuries, stretching back to the sixteenth century, the port of Antwerp has been instrumental in driving industrialization and facilitating international trade. Today, it proudly stands as Europe's second-largest port, a testament to the city's economic prowess. However, beyond the bustling docks and towering cranes lies a narrative often overlooked—a story marked by social-ecological injustices and the hidden costs of its economic success.
The port's history is complex, rife with contradictions and injustices. From its involvement in the exploitative practices of the Congo Free State to present-day issues like drug trafficking and labor exploitation, the port's more sinister aspects are masked by narratives of progress and prosperity. Infrastructure projects frequently disrupt and displace communities, exacerbating social inequalities and disproportionately benefiting the privileged few.
This year's "Debating Development" series aims to peel back the layers of port prosperity, exposing its hidden costs. Through critical examination, it seeks to unpack the unequal distribution of benefits and burdens associated with port activities, shedding light on marginalized communities and ecosystems disproportionately affected by its operations. Discussions will delve into topics such as environmental degradation, socio-ecological consequences, and the perpetuation of social-environmental injustices both locally and in the Global South.
Furthermore, the series will scrutinize the relationship between academic institutions and port interests, questioning the ways universities engage with and potentially perpetuate port impacts. By challenging conventional notions of progress and development, the series advocates for a more nuanced understanding of port economies.
Through inclusive dialogue among scholars, policymakers, and social organizations, this year’s series aims to foster critical awareness of the port of Antwerp's role in contemporary development. It calls for pathways prioritizing social and environmental justice in the face of globalization and neoliberal policies, centering the voices of those impacted by port injustices to catalyze meaningful action towards more equitable and sustainable practices.