Programme > Dialogues > Interdependence Day 2007
 Tony Beckwith speaking at Interdependence Day, Mexico City, 2007 | Interdependence Day is an international initiative developed by CivWorld and Demos, USA which aims to raise awareness of the interdependent character of global society and foster transnational and interdependent solutions to global challenges. As an annual event led by political theorist Dr. Benjamin Barber, Interdependence Day 2007 was co-hosted by Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico City. The Art, Architecture, and Design of Common Space Among the international scholars and artists who attended was Polish Solidarity Founder Adam Michnik, who won the third Interdependence Prize. Others attendees included, Remin University professor Jin Canrong (China), Independent Sector President Diana Aviv, the Hungarian parliamentarian Ivan Vitanyi, Artistic Director, Kaai Theatre, Belgium, Guy Gypens, distinguished Columbia University globalization scholar Saskia Sassen, Vatican scholar Monsignor Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, former U.N. Undersecretary Olara Otunnu, and New York Public Library, Performing Arts Director Jackie Davis. This panel discussion addressed the constructive possibilities of art and design to create civic and common spaces that nourish cooperation across frontiers, especially in addressing the challenges of the developing world, and featured a presentation by LANS' Creative Development Director Tony Beckwith. Other panel discussions engaged artists, performers and scholars in a conversation about the ways in which art and culture can address global civil society and international justice and explored how art and culture have been critical in forging constructive forms of interdependence. Because they can be reflective, provocative and even subversive, the arts inspire critical thinking and action. | 
