Aspen Institute Prague prepares new activities in CEE region and announces new name

The Prague partner of the international Aspen Institute network announced a new plan of activities for the Central European (CE) region and the changing of its name to the Aspen Institute Central Europe. The organization is preparing new projects aimed at developing new cooperation potential in CE and throughout Europe. The new name clearly demonstrates Aspen's presence in CE, where it has been active for last four years already.

For 2017, Aspen Institute CE is preparing a variety of activities throughout the region: it plans to organize its program aimed at young leaders from various sectors of society twice a year in different locations. It will present a series of discussions and meetings in Bratislava, Warsaw, Prague, Budapest, Berlin and Brussels focused on opportunities and challenges in CE, the region's relations with Western Europe and other topics related to the impact of technological development in contemporary society. In March 2017 Aspen Institute CE wants to launch a series of consecutive expert meetings focused on the identification of new opportunities in different spheres of CE.

The key messages of the Aspen Institute - to create a space for discussion and clash of opinions, where the new context, ideas and initiatives are developed - resonate through raster graphics used in the new visual identity of Aspen Institute Central Europe. “It is crucial to be able to develop cooperation in Central and Western Europe, particularly in the context of current dynamic changes: the new American administration, the decision of the UK to leave the EU and the forthcoming elections in some European countries. It is time to stop considering Central Europe as troublemaker, but it needs to be seen as a trusted partner who is able to offer something, whether in terms of innovation, technology or economic cooperation," stated Jiří Schneider, Executive Director of Aspen Institute Central Europe. “Aspen was always able to assemble differently minded people from various fields of activity: politicians, artists, athletes, scientists, innovators, volunteers and businessmen. I believe that this capability will also significantly contribute to the development of a democratic society not only in Europe," said Ivan Hodáč, co-founder and current President of the Aspen Institute Central Europe Board.