Panel discussion “Rewiring our brains against hate”

On Thursday, June 30th, we invite you to “open your mind” and attend our exclusive cultural conversation panel “Rewiring our brains against hate”. Join us to discuss this topic with nobel-prize nominee Izzeldin Abuelaish, activist and writer Ish Ait Hamou, communication strategist Jihad Van Puymbroeck, neurotraining researcher Steven Poelmans and Carolyn Declerck.

We live in a world that is increasingly defined by volatility, challenging crises and laser-fast communication. More often than not, this means that we lose ourselves and any potential common ground in polarization. What impact does this have on our social connections? And how can we rewire our brains to default to empathy rather than hate?

We hope to welcome you on our campus for a thought-provoking evening!

About the speakers

Izzeldin Abuelaish, MD, PhD, is a Palestinian doctor and infertility expert who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip. In 2009 his three daughters were killed during the Israeli incursion into Gaza. In response, he wrote the book “I Shall Not Hate” and set up a foundation “daughters for life”. He is a three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee.

Ish Ait Hamou is best known to the general public as a choreographer and member of the jury of VTM program ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. He has become known for his radically kind approach to life, speaking out about the importance of inclusion, equality and empathy. He has released five books of which the latest ‘The Beauty we Share’ (2019).

Jihad Van Puymbroeck is a communication strategist. She worked at the Flemish Public Broadcast, VRT NWS, as a social media expert. She persistently raises her (digital) voice against discrimination, racism, hate speech and sexism.

Steven Poelmans, PhD, is the founder and director of the NeuroTrainingLab™, a leadership development methodology using competencies assessment and neurophysiologic indicators. He is professor of Neuroscience and Strategic Leadership at Antwerp Management School. He is the author of 'Paradoxes of Leadership' and 'The Brainbalance'.

Carolyn Declerck, PhD, is Professor at the University of Antwerp. She conducts interdisciplinary studies in Behavioral Economics and Neuroeconomics with topics as a.o. the biological and social roots of individual traits and behavior. She wrote two books: ‘Who is the homo sapiens?’ and 'Neuroeconomics of prosocial behavior: The compassionate egoist'. The latter formed the basis of her TED talk.

Program

• 7:00 pm Welcome and registrations
• 7:30 pm Panel conversation about polarization, hate speech and empathy
• 8:30 pm Q&A
• 9:00 pm Reception and networking

Practical information

• Location: Antwerp Management School, Boogkeers 5, 2000 Antwerpen.
• Unable to make it to campus? You can also join the event online.
• Timing: Thursday, June 30th, 2022, 7 pm - 10 pm

This event is a collaboration between Antwerp Management School and the Faculty of Business & Economics (University of Antwerp).