What holds us together? The power of social cohesion

Draft Agenda

Webstream Atrium 6

Moderated by Conrad Toft (European Economic and Social Committee)

14:00 – 14:10 | Opening remarks by Isabelle Le Galo Flores - Secretary-general of the EESC

• Welcome to the workshop

14:10 – 14:30 | Introduction to 'Social cohesion' by Colette Bennett – Policy Analyst at the National ESC of Ireland

• Introduction to the World café by Conrad Toft

14:30 – 14:50 | Moderated World Café Round 1 addressing:

• What are the main elements affecting social cohesion and are there specific social groups impacted?

14:50 – 15:15 | Moderated World Café Round 2 addressing:

• What is currently happening in this area and what trends can we expect for the future?

15:15 – 15:35 | Moderated World Café round 3 addressing:

• What interventions would improve social cohesion in this area at national and EU level?

15:35 – 16:00 | World Café harvesting and 'Sense making'

Speakers/Facilitators/Participants

• Ina Agafonova – EESC Member; Member of the ESC of Bulgaria; Representative of environmental organisations
• Bogomil Nikolov – EESC Member; Vice-President of the ESC of Bulgaria
• Daniela Dimitrova – Chief Economic affairs, ESC of Bulgaria
• Dimitris Bimpas – Scientific Advisor at the ESC of Greece
• Kristīne Zonberga – Director of the Civic Alliance – Latvia; Member of the Council for the Implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation between Non-Governmental Organisations and the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia
• Elīna Grīnhofa – Head of Advocacy at the Civic Alliance - Latvia
• Luís Pais Antunes – President of the ESC of Portugal
• Cristiana Calheiros – Head of Office -Secretary of the President at the ESC of Portugal
• Simão Brito – Cabinet Deputy at the ESC of Portugal
• Adelina Dabu – EESC Member; Member of the ESC of Romania
• Iraya Milara – International Relations Officer at the ESC of Spain
• Beatriz Martín Nieto – Senior Adviser for International Relations at the ESC of Spain           

Strong social cohesion is key to enable our societies to confront deepening polarisation and growing challenges. These challenges stem from geopolitical instability and conflicts, threats to civic space, free media and democracy, the erosion of citizens' trust in Institutions, disinformation campaigns and cybersecurity attacks and increasing difficulty many citizens face in making ends meet.

On the first day of Civil Society Week 2026, dedicated to a 'Union of opportunities' (Supporting People, strengthening our societies), the National Economic and Social Councils (NESCs) of the EU organise a session exploring social cohesion in its broadest meaning. This World Café session brings together NESCs representatives and participants to exchange ideas and share recommendations on how to rebuild trust in our democratic systems, ensure that no one is left behind, and strengthen intergenerational fairness in policies at both national and European level.

Key thematic pillars:

This session is built on three interconnected strands:

• Trust/Legitimacy/Democracy
• No one left behind
• Intergenerational fairness

The conclusions and recommendations emerging from this session will offer insights on how our societies can bridge divides between generations, ethnic and social groups, enhance inclusivity in our societies and rebuild Citizens' trust in EU values, Institutions, and policies. The outcomes of this session on social cohesion will contribute directly to the 'Conclusions' of the Civil Society Week.

A strong cohesive society remains the backbone of a strong and resilient Europe.