In a time marked by geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, social inequality and growing polarization, public discourse is often dominated by crisis narratives. Politics of Hope invites students to reflect on whether hope can function not as naïve optimism, but as a meaningful and constructive political force.

On 25 March 2026, students from the fac​ulties of Arts, Business and Economics, Law, and Social Sciences will engage in an interfaculty debate exploring this theme. Each faculty will be represented by a student delegation defending its perspective in a structured and moderated format.

The debate will be moderated by Julien De Wit, who will guide the exchange and ensure a dynamic and balanced discussion. The winning faculty will donate the prize to a charity organization of their choice, reinforcing the connection between academic debate and societal impact.

The event is open to all University of Antwerp students, including international students. The entire debate will take place in English.

Practical information

📅 Date: Wednesday 25 March 2026

🕒 Doors open: 18:30

🕖 Event: 19:00 – 21:45

📍 Location: M001, De Meerminne, Sint-Jacobstraat 2, 2000 Antwerp

🎤 Moderator: Julien De Wit

🎟 Participation: Free of charge, but registration is required!!

Program

18:30 | Doors open

19:00 | Welcome and introduction

19:20 | Warm up-round

19:30 | Debate rounds of 30 minutes (with breaks after every round)

21:10 | Audience voting announcement of the winning faculty

21:30 – 22 | Reception with catering

Participating faculties

•     Faculty of Arts – represented by professor Van Eekert and students Ronan Wouters and Marnic De Swert

•     Faculty of Business and Economics – represented by professor Verbist and students Lars Van Dam and Jakob Cleymans

•     Faculty of Law – represented by professor Kruger and students Victoria Ijeoma and Nesly Mouto Ndjah

•     Faculty of Social Sciences – represented by professor Kustermans and students Noor Smeyers and Aydan De Vleesschauwer

Registration

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.

Students can register via the online form. 

If you require specific facilities or accessibility measures to attend the event, you can indicate this in the registration form. The organisers will take the necessary steps to ensure appropriate arrangements wherever possible.