Pacification Lecture: Alicja Anna Gescinska
The annual Pacification Lectures take place alternately in Breda and Ghent and are organised to exchange views on the past and future of the Netherlands and Flanders. This year's lecture will take place on Saturday 9 November 2024 at 3pm in the Grote Kerk Breda.
The speaker is Alicja Anna Gescinska (Warsaw, 1981), a Polish-Belgian philosopher, writer, TV producer and director of the philosophy programme at The University of Buckingham in London. She will discuss the Pacification of Ghent and its significance for contemporary society. The importance of peace, tolerance and respect for diversity will be the focus of this lecture. Gescinska will talk about the theme of 'Forgiveness' in these turbulent times, when even in Europe the peace that seemed to have been achieved now appears to be shattered.
More information and registration: pacificatielezingen.org
'My parents decided to leave the country and all its difficulties when I was seven. Already at an early age, I had to find answers to questions about my identity: who am I, what am I doing here, where do I come from, where do I want to go?' Alicja Anna GescinskaPhilosopher, writer and TV producer
Pacification of Ghent
The Pacification of Ghent, signed in 1576, stands for peace, tolerance and democracy. An alliance reached in 1576 during the Eighty Years' War between the united Dutch provinces and the Spanish king Philip II, it still has great symbolic value today. The treaty could be regarded as a reminder for facilitating space for interpretation and discussion, whereby it can serve as a source of inspiration for contemporary society.
Pacification Lectures
The Pacification Lectures are dedicated to promoting individuality and diversity, emphasizing the importance of respect and tolerance towards all cultures, religions, ages, classes, walks of life, genders and languages. Only by embracing and respecting diversity can a peaceful society be achieved and the Pacification of Ghent remains both alive and relevant.
Route and parking
Coming by train? The Grote Kerk Breda is a 10-minute walk from Breda railway station. The church is also easily accessible by bus. You can walk to us in a few minutes from the Karnemelkstraat or Vlaszak bus stops.
Coming by bike or moped? Then park in one of the free bicycle parking facilities. Improperly parked bicycles are regularly removed by the municipality.
Coming by car? The car parks De Prins and De Barones are closest to the Grote Kerk Breda. Click here for general information on parking in Breda.