Autumn 2019 (#14)
The 14th edition of Convergences marks a significant milestone with the 100th meeting of the Club of Venice, focusing on a paradigm shift toward an “ecology of public communication” that prioritizes human links over mere technical dissemination. This issue captures strategic debates from Montenegro to Venice, emphasizing the urgent need to re-connect Europe with its citizens following the 2019 elections through authentic dialogue and trust-building. A major focus is placed on creating a “new balanced narrative” on migration, moving away from emotional polarization toward evidence-based storytelling and peer-to-peer initiatives. The publication also explores the complexities of country reputation management, challenging traditional branding in favor of “imaginative communities” that earn trust through purposeful action. Finally, it looks toward the Conference on the Future of Europe, advocating for inclusive, cross-sector collaborations to address “wicked problems” like climate change and digital transformation.
Key Topics:
- Ecology of Public Communication: Shifting from the “provision of information” to creating lasting social links and citizen emancipation.
- Re-connecting Europe: Evaluating the 2019 European Elections and the inter-institutional responsibility to engage citizens.
- Country Reputation and Branding: Moving beyond paid advertising toward earned reputation through identity-driven initiatives.
- A New Narrative on Migration: Addressing public misperceptions through transparency, accurate terminology, and human-centered storytelling.
- Digital Literacy and Inclusion: Implementing web accessibility standards to ensure public administration remains closer to all people.
- Migrants as Messengers: The power of peer-to-peer communication and social media to raise awareness about the risks of irregular migration.
- The Conference on the Future of Europe: Proposals for a broad-ranging democratic debate to reform the European system.
- Countering Disinformation: Practical strategies and “Ideas Labs” for building societal resilience against fake news and algorithmic bias.
- Capacity Building and Professionalization: Modernizing communication structures and roles to manage global contingencies more effectively.
- The “Green Deal for Europe”: Communicating a visionary, long-term sustainability agenda to the younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z).
