On 8 October, a roundtable delved into the growing polarisation of public debates that defines many modern democracies, considering it as both a political and societal issue. The phenomenon of polarization not only reflects profound changes in political practices and the ways in which social bonds are represented but also exists within a media landscape that is itself undergoing significant transformation. Adding to the complexity, "polarization" as a term invites a range of interpretations that are often varied and sometimes controversial.
Against this backdrop, the roundtable centered on examining the roles of public, philanthropic, and media actors in addressing polarization. The discussion focused in particular on the potential of philanthropy to foster democratic dialogue and counterbalance societal and political divides. The event brought together representatives from the philanthropic sector, researchers, and media professionals to explore how the challenges of polarization shape their work, while also sharing specific responses that have emerged in increasingly divided contexts.
Esther Mamarbachi, spokesperson for the Department of Economy and Employment for the Republic and Canton of Geneva, opened the event by noting there are few “more topical” subjects,” and then served as moderator. Delphine Bachmann, State Councillor of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, extended a welcoming address.
A first thematic discussion featured insights from Laura Bullon-Cassis, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy, and Pascal Sciarini, Professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Geneva. Their interventions defined key concepts and stakes of increasingly polarized democracies. The main roundtable discussion, "Fighting Polarization: What Role for Philanthropy?" examined the active role that philanthropy could play in bridging divides. Panelists included Pascal Crittin, Director of Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS); Micheline Louis-Courvoisier, Professor at the Institute of Ethics, History, and Humanities at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, who also serves on the board of the Leenaards Foundation; and Marc-Olivier Padis, Director of Studies at Terra Nova in Paris.
The event concluded with remarks from Marie Wyss, Director for French-speaking Switzerland at SwissFoundations.
This event was held as part of AHCD’s 2024 programme for Democracy Week and was jointly organised by the Office of Economy and Innovation (OCEI) of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy at the Geneva Graduate Institute, the Center for Philanthropy at the University of Geneva, and SwissFoundations.
