International Coalition of Humanity

VI International Conference for World Balance

The VI International Conference for World Balance stands as an esteemed platform devoted to fostering meaningful discussions, cultivating partnerships, and formulating actionable strategies to propel us towards a more equitable and just global community. Organised by the Office of the Martí Program and co-sponsored by UNESCO and Soka Gakkai International, this conference serves as a wellspring of inspiration and a catalyst for transformative initiatives, drawing together an assembly of international leaders, advocates, scholars, and trailblazers united in the shared pursuit of human advancement.

International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH)

The Commission of International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH) programme is a space within the VI Conference that aspires to bring together a wide spectrum of international advocates, organisations, and communities to deliberate on and enhance humanitarian initiatives. Founded on principles like equality, solidarity, and joy, ICoH champions a diverse community dedicated to comprehensive societal change. In line with the ethos of the VI Conference, ICoH’s mission transcends geographic boundaries, uniting people in efforts to uplift communities, protect the environment, and foster sustainable growth. As an agent of positive change, ICoH embodies responsibility and stewardship, working towards a balanced world where every life is valued.

Violeta Bulc, Ecocivilisation

“The ICoH programme at the VI International Conference for World Balance is a unique opportunity to co-create collaborations and solutions that honour our planet and its inhabitants, foster collective responses to the pressing global and local challenges, ensuring a legacy of balance and harmony for generations to come.”

Ramit Singh Chimni, Eight Goals One Foundation

“The VI International Conference for World Balance is a testament to our collective resolve to forge a sustainable future. Together, we can build a world where balance and sustainability are not just ideals, but realities.”

The International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH) is a program within the VI International Conference for World Balance. It creates a space for participants to experience Cuba’s culture and engage in meaningful conversations about global issues while being part of a learning community. ICoH events are included in both the Scientific and General Program of the conference, with details provided below.

Pre-conference Events

Day 01: Art and Culture Day & Plantation Drive

Before the official beginning of the conference, a day will be dedicated to the exchange of art and culture. This day will be devoted to meeting fellow Cuban and non-Cuban participants in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

03:00 PM till 07:00 PM

Day 02: Grow Zone Tour

It is organised in partnership with Sociedad Cultural José Martí, on the eve of the conference. The whole day will be dedicated to exploring Havana’s neighbourhoods, where individual and community-driven social efforts flourish. This also includes meeting the key individuals and institutions behind Cuba’s efforts to address societal challenges.

09:00 AM till 05:00 PM

Showcase of various local initiatives for community development.
Interactions with the locals to understand the individual and collective efforts towards tackling challenges faced by society.
Visiting the headquarters of Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (Comités de Defensa de la Revolución), a unique Cuban network of neighbours.
The day will conclude with the annual Torch March in the evening, and all participants are encouraged to take part.

Conference Events

Day 01: Opening Ceremony of the Conference

The opening ceremony marks the official commencement of the VI International Conference for World Balance.

02:00 PM till 05:00 PM

Day 02: Movie Screenings and Group Discussions

On the second day of the conference, a movie screening will be organised around the themes of Cuba, social and community development. The screenings will be followed by group discussions.

07:00 PM till 09:00 PM

Day 03: International Coalition of Humanity

Morning Sessions

The morning sessions of the ICoH program are structured to spark meaningful engagement and innovation in societal and environmental sustainability. Through panel discussions, workshops and public consultations, they provide insights and practical tools for initiating change, laying the groundwork for the day’s further explorations and collaborations.

09:00 AM till 09:30 AM

Welcoming Ceremony and Opening Remarks

09:30 AM till 10:00 AM

Panel Discussion: Is a New Civilisational Paradigm Emerging? Are we ready for Ecocivilisation

A panel with Ernesto Teuma Taureaux (Cuba), Indra Adnan (United Kingdom), IMarina Demchenko (United Kingdom) and Valerie Cathrin Voggernreiter (Germany). Moderated by Violeta Bulc (Slovenia).
During these conversations, themes, challenges, and opportunities for circular economies and permaculture may be introduced along with each panellist’s area of focus.

10:30 AM till 10:45 AM

Public Consultation: Building an Ecocivilisation Together

10:45 AM till 11:45 AM

Round Table Discussion: Overcoming Barriers to Collaboration

11:45 AM till 12:00 PM

Public Consultation Session: Overcoming Barriers to Collaboration

12:00 PM till 01:00 PM

Workshop: Cultivating Safe Space: In Climate Work and Climate Grief

Lunch Break From 01:00 PM Till 2:00 PM

Afternoon Sessions

The afternoon sessions of the ICoH programme delve deeper into practical applications and
collaborative efforts. These segments are designed to showcase the best cases and practices
from around the world. This part of the day emphasises real-world impact, encouraging
attendees to apply learned concepts to initiate positive change.

2:00 PM till 3:45 PM

Showcasing from around the World: Exploring Soil, Water and Air

Showcases from around the world actively explore the themes: of soil, water, and air as the nurturing forces for life on our planet and permaculture in practice, through short presentations of success stories. Pina Maja (Slovenia) will facilitate the session.
The list of presenters includes Manica Chelofiga & Martina Puc (Slovenia), Michelle Nel (South Africa), Paola Quiroga (Chile), Waringa Matindi (Uganda) and Ximena Zeballos (Bolivia).

3:45 PM till 5:00 PM

Panel Discussion: Cuban biotech in the face of U.S. sanctions

Day 04: International Coalition of Humanity

Morning Sessions

The morning sessions of the ICoH programme delve deeper into practical applications and collaborative efforts. This part of the day emphasises real-world impact, successful case studies, presentations and group activities encouraging attendees to apply learned concepts to initiate positive change.

09:00 AM till 10:00 AM

Presentation of Innovation: Water from Air

10:00 AM till 10:50 AM

Showcases from Around the World: Human Engagement for Impact

Showcases from around the world actively explore the themes of human engagement for impact. Karthika Sajeev Changam (India) will facilitate the session.
The list of presenters includes Gamal Palmer (United States), Indra Adnan (United Kingdom) Jonathan Schwestka (Belgium), Lil Maria Hernandez Pichs (Cuba), Marina Demchenko (United Kingdom) and Valerie Cathrin Voggernreiter (Germany).

10:50 AM till 12:10 PM

Group Activity: Fostering Collaboration

This session will be led by Pina Maja Bulc (Slovenia) and Karthika Sajeev Changam (India) where participants will be divided into groups through random selection.
The group members will engage amongst themselves to find various ways in which collaborations can be achieved and actionable steps can be taken towards tackling challenges around the world. At the end of the session, each group will share their reflections and conclusions.

12:10 PM till 12:30 PM

Closing Remarks: Looking Forward

Our moderators

Ramit Singh Chimni

Ramit Singh Chimni serves as a jury member for the International UNESCO/José Martí Prize and is the co-founder of the Eight Goals One Foundation. He was honoured with the ‘Iconic Leaders Creating a Better World for All’ Award by the Women’s Economic Forum for his contributions to global development. Over the past two decades, he has shared his insights on platforms including Harvard University and key Indian ministries such as Law and Justice, Education, and Youth Affairs and Sports.

Violeta Bulc

Violeta is a visionary leader with over 40 years of experience transforming complex systems for the betterment of the planet. As a former European Commissioner and Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia, she pioneered sustainable, inclusive solutions, balancing human-centred policies with technological advancements. Now, through her work as Global Chair of the G100, board member of the Europe-Asia Centre and curator of Ecocivilisation, she champions universal access to knowledge and a new civilization paradigm

Pina Maja Bulc

Pina Maja is a media planner and digital marketing strategist, but her true passion is working towards youth empowerment and environmental conservation. She has over 12 years of experience in leadership and management gained during her time in her National Scout Organisation. Presently, Pina Maja leads an international leadership and management course that empowers individuals to discover their unique leadership styles.

Karthika Sajeev Changam

Karthika is a Social Impact Strategist at the Eight Goals One Foundation. She works closely with local communities and institutions in Cuba, contributing to key social projects. These include Patria Libros, the largest open-access digital library dedicated exclusively to Cuban literature, and Patria Siembra, a community-driven food security initiative with over 200 volunteers in Havana. Her work focuses on addressing systemic challenges while fostering sustainable solutions and meaningful collaborations.

Our speakers

Panel Discussion: Is a New Civilisational Paradigm Emerging?Are we ready for Ecocivilisation?

Ernesto Teuma Taureaux

Ernesto is a professor at the Department of Philosophy, Aesthetics, and Political Theory of the University of the Arts. He specialises in Political Theory and Social and Cultural Anthropology. He is also part of the editorial team of the digital magazine La Tizza. His main research areas include political systems and social movements in Sub-Saharan Africa, the history of the Marxist tradition, and the Cuban Revolution.

Indra Adnan

Indra Adnan is a psycho-social therapist, journalist, author, and Co-initiator of The Alternative Global (AG), a network inspired by Denmark’s Alternativet. Her book, The Politics of Waking Up, was a Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year in 2021. She has consulted for the World Economic Forum, NATO, and multiple governments. Through AG, she fosters Citizen Action Networks (CANs) and initiatives for a future ecocivilisation rooted in the interconnection of self, community, and planet: I, We, World.

Valerie Cathrin Voggernreiter

Valerie is a researcher and practitioner in facilitation. She is a member of the TranS-Mind research group at the Research Institute for Sustainability Potsdam, coordinator of ‘A Mindset of the Anthropocene project’, founder of her pioneering Silence Space Initiative and works with the European Commission. Through her work, she aims to synchronise inner and outer transformation processes in the face of poly-crisis by cross-pollinating ideas and practices across academia, civil society and the public sector.

Marina Demchenko

Marina is a researcher focusing on Social Ecosystems with over 20 years of experience in global change management. Co-founder of PANORAMA LAB, she developed the INNER KEY(C) methodology for assessing social ecosystems. She was the first Advisor to the Mayor of Zverevo, Russia on citizen well-being. A TEDx speaker and Research Leader with Living CARE, she works to transform cities into resilient ecosystems and represents Russia in the Ecocivilisation movement.

Round Table Discussion: Overcoming Barriers to Collaboration

Andrea Duffour

Andrea is a cosmopolitan academic and advocate for a multipolar, non-aligned world. She fell in love with Cuba and its political system 30 years ago after travelling to around 70 countries. Her passion for raising awareness and fostering connections between people and nations drives her work as a freelance writer and translator of geopolitical texts.

Edgar Villanueva

Edgar is an award-winning author, activist, and expert on race, wealth, and philanthropy. He is the Principal of the Decolonizing Wealth Project and Liberated Capital and the author of the bestselling book Decolonizing Wealth (2018, 2021). He advises national and global philanthropies, Fortune 500 companies, and entertainment on social impact strategies to advance racial equity from within and through their investment strategies. He is also an enrolled member of the Lumbee Tribe.

Jeff Camkin

Jeff is a multi-disciplinary water, climate and sustainable development specialist with 30 years of experience in water, fisheries and agriculture governance. He focuses on promoting research-policy-practice connectivity, emphasising transdisciplinarity, utilising all forms of knowledge, and effective collaboration. Jeff has designed and delivered new water education for participants from over 70 countries. He is also the co-founder and co-editor-in-chief of the World Water Policy Journal.

Workshop: Cultivating Safe Space: In Climate Work and Climate Grief

Janet Mrenica

Janet is a Canadian governance professional and an Integral practitioner, who empowers communities to lead towards a world unspun, one steeped in the regeneration of culture, intersectionality, anti-racism and climate-environment-social-governance impact. She has over 30 years of personal relationships with your country, a number of professional experiences, a number of international solidarity experiences due to my long-time membership in the Canadian Solidarity Networks, specifically Ottawa-Cuba Connections.

Our presenters

Showcasing from around the World: Exploring Soil, Water and Air

Bolivia: Ximena Zeballos

Ximena is a passionate educator dedicated to developing holistic programs that integrate social, political, economic, and environmental perspectives to foster critical thinking among young people. Her recent research on the financial impact of the digital divide in Bolivia has further strengthened her expertise in assessing the costs involved in designing effective public policies.

Chile: Paola Quiroga

Paola is the President of Ecocivilisation Chile & Water Wing and the founder of the socio-environmental enterprise Ewreka, which allocates a significant percentage of its profits to reforestation projects with native trees, environmental education, conservation of endangered flora and fauna, and social aid. An Environmental Engineer, she is currently studying the challenges of protected wild areas in Chile from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Slovenia: Martina Puc

Martina is an award-winning consultant, entrepreneur, and leadership expert with a pioneering role in food supplements. She is the founder and leader of RES-PONS d.o.o., the Institute for Quality Development and Research, and COVIRIAS Academia. Martina co-chairs Ecocivilisation Slovenia and is the founding member and first president of the Food Supplements Association at Slovenia’s Chamber of Commerce. She is also the creator of the Holistic Community Pharmacy© concept, which was awarded the prestigious Feniks Award.

Slovenia: Manica Čelofiga

Manica is an author, lecturer and intuitive mentor with more than 20 years of experience observing and intertwining the evolution of digitalisation, managing various digitalisation and marketing projects and focusing on non-financial factors of companies’ success. She is the co-chair of Ecocivilisation, Slovenia, a member of the Intuition Wisdom Institute, Australia and author of the book School of Intuitive Leadership. In the last 10 years, she has worked on introducing intuitive leadership practices to entrepreneurs and companies.

South Africa: Michelle Nel

Michelle focuses on developing resilient food forest systems in underserved South African schools. With expertise in analytics, industrial psychology, law, leadership, and business development, she co-founded the Business Building Institute and Fruity Schools South Africa. As South Africa Country Chair for Ecocivilisation, Michelle integrates traditional healing, plant medicine, yoga, and permaculture to inspire environmental stewardship, community resilience, and sustainable nutrition, nurturing a healthier future for the next generation.

Uganda: Waringa Matindi

Waringa serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Village Energy Limited. She is also a Gender specialist with over a decade of experience working with non-profits in East and Central Africa, mainly Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda. She has participated in Ashoka’s Climate Finance Accelerator and is an alumni of Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship hosted by Santa Clara University. In additiom she has a Certificate in Social Sector Leadership from University of Berkeley – Haas and Certificate in Business Excellence from Columbia Business School.

Panel Discussion : Cuban blotech in the face of U.S. sanctions.

Mitchell Valdes-Sosa

He is the general director of the Cuban Center for Neuroscience, and Member Emeritus of the Cuban Academy of Sciences. Valdes-Sosa specializes in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, with extensive wok in translational neuroscience. He has published over 160 scientific articles, has been cited 3567 times and has an h-index of 35. Valdes-Sosa serves as coordinator of the National Scientific Program for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, which involves over 20 research centres, universities, and hospitals in Cuba. He is a member of the Academic Station at UESTC.

Teresita Rodríguez Obaya

Cuban scientist with decades of experience in Cuba’s biotech
industry. She is one of the founders of Cuba’s Center for Molecular Immunology, where she has occupied multiple roles. She is currently the scientific leader and team manager of NeuroEpo, a medication to
treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. She a doctor with a PhD in Biological Sciences. She has served as a professor of histology at the University of Havana for 46 years.

Daniel Montero

He is a journalist, producer and director with Belly of the Beast, where he was co-winner of a One World Media Award and a Telly Award for his work on the acclaimed documentary series The War on Cuba. Daniel graduated from the University of Havana’s Communication School in 2020 with a degree in Journalism.

Reed Lindsey

Reed is an award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker whose work has been published in more than 20 major newspapers and magazines and broadcast on television news networks throughout the world. Reed was the winner of the Gracie Award and co-winner of an Emmy Award, a Telly Award, and a One World Media Award. He is the founder and director of Belly of the Beast, an independent media outlet that covers Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations.

Presentation of Innovation: Water From Air

Durgas Das

Durga is the founder of Aeronero an accomplished entrepreneur. Presently, she is is leading the charge in revolutionizing the water industry with innovative air-water generation (AWG) technology. Durga is also deeply committed to social responsibility, founding the charity WODER to combat water scarcity in refugee camps and promote water independence for women. Durga’s visionary leadership has earned her accolades, including the “Best Innovator” award at the HIEx platform and a Woman Leadership award. She also holds advisory roles on various international platforms, contributing in startups, business development, and mentoring new-age entrepreneurs.

Major General Indrabalan (R)

He is a transformative leader with 37 years of exemplary military service. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and IIT Kharagpur, with advanced degrees in science, technology, and management, he has applied strategic foresight to pioneer cutting-edge water technologies. In his post-military career, he merges his operational expertise and military exposure with technological vision to drive sustainable innovations for atmospheric water generation technology to keep Aeronero ahead of its competitors in the product innovation map. He is also the Trustee Director in the Board of Unifi Capital Mutual Fund a 23K Cr PMS company

Showcases from around the world: Human Engagement for Impact.

Belgium: Jonathan Schwestka

Jonathan Schwestka serves as the Deputy Director for Europe at the Europe-Asia Center, an international non-profit organization dedicated to fostering dialogue and cooperation between East and West. He has worked with the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European External Action Service, the United Nations, and the European Parliament. Passionate about global peace and solidarity, Jonathan is deeply committed to resolving geopolitical conflicts, supporting multilateralism, and promoting a smooth transition to a multipolar world.

Cuba: Lil Maria Hernandez Pichs

Lil María Pichs Hernández is an International Relations Specialist at the Office of the Martiano Program (OPM), where she manages the National Program for the Study and Promotion of José Martí’s Thought and its relations with Cuban and international civil society, within the José Martí Project of International Solidarity registered with UNESCO. She has been a member of the national board of the José Martí Youth Movement and currently serves as the coordinator of Martillando, its quarterly publication, which promotes youth thought and culture inspired by José Martí’s legacy.

United Kingdom: Indra Adnan

Indra Adnan is a psycho-social therapist, journalist, author, and Co- initiator of The Alternative Global (AG), a network inspired by Denmark’s Alternativet. Her book, The Politics of Waking Up, was a Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year in 2021. She has consulted for the World Economic Forum, NATO, and multiple governments. Through AG, she fosters Citizen Action Networks (CANs) and initiatives for a future ecocivilisation rooted in the interconnection of self, community, and planet: I, We, World.

United Kingdom/Russia: Marina Demchenko

United States: Gamal Palmer

Gamal J. Palmer is Founder and Principal of Conscious Builders,a global leadership development and diversity and inclusion strategy firm. Palmer is a global expert in organizational leadership and inclusion. Working at the intersection of D + I and philanthropy, Palmer advises individuals, families and corporations on relevant giving practices and developing strategies that align with their social impact values and goals. Palmer has advised influencers and foundations such as Michael Jordan, Simon Sinek, Jason Blum, and Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies to name a few.

Germany: Valerie Cathrin Voggernreiter

Special Features

1. Idea Boards

Boards will be placed, inviting participants to write about topics, issues, and solutions they would like to engage with during the course of the conference.

2. Artistic Impressions: Capturing the Essence of Discussions Through Art

During each session, artists from Cuba will be invited to capture the events, discussions, and deliberations on canvas in the form of paintings. These paintings will not just serve as visual aids for members attending the sessions but will also be presented to the people of Cuba as a token of ICoH’s appreciation to their society.

3. Public Consultations

Each session would have one public consultation enabling free flowing conversations and exchange of ideas between participants.

4. Interest-Based Meetups

Over the course of the conference, participants will have the opportunity to learn about various individuals, institutions, and initiatives both within and outside of Cuba. Participants can arrange personal meetups with those they wish to know more about, engage with, or collaborate with.

These meetups can be arranged during and/or after the conference.

General Information and Logistics

Express Your Interest

If the vision and initiatives of the International Coalition of Humanity (ICoH) within the VI International Conference for World Balance resonate with you or spark your interest, we warmly invite you to express your enthusiasm and inquiries. Reach out to us at info@ecocivilisation.eu, outreach@8one.org, or karthika@8one.org to explore how you can contribute to this meaningful journey towards sustainable development and global harmony. Your insights, participation, and support are invaluable as we work together to create a balanced and sustainable future for all.

Venue and Participation

Venue: Havana International Conference Center (Palacio de Convenciones).
Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, with interpreting in French and Russian during plenary sessions.
Submission of Papers: Deadline November 30, 2024; requirements include title, author details, abstract of upto 100 words (in Arial 12), and audiovisual needs.
Publication of Papers: Post-event digital publication for wider distribution.
Credits: Certification of academic credits in accordance with international standards.

Registration Fees*

*Includes lunch, access to cultural events, and final cocktail party.

Contact Details of the Organising Committee

Payment and Registration

Online payment can be made via www.porelequilibriodelmundocuba.com (You will receive the confirmation document immediately after payment is made and will also be registered as a delegate.)
In case of any questions or difficulties, please contact Ms Yanet Bellón at +53 55159873 and yanet.bellon@solways.com
On-site registration will be available on January 27, 2025, at the International Conference Center.

Accommodation Bookings

For reservations of special tourism packages, highly varied, including accommodation, transfers in/out (airport attendance on arrival and departure) and other options before during and after the event, contact:

Juan Carlos Govea

Main Specialist
CUBATUR Travel Agency
Telephone: (+53) 78650221 – (+53) 54709342
Email: ep.eventos@centra.cbt.tur.cu

Majeslis Gonzalez Guilot

Commercial Specialist
CUBATUR Event Market
Telephone: (+53) 55819156
Email: eventos2@centra.cbt.tur.cu

Solidarity movement

Solidarity movements are recommended to contact Amistur agency for their stay:

Amistur Agency

Lic. Thailyn Ravelo Imbert Commercial Specialist Address: Calle 13 No. 504 / D and E, Vedado, Havana, Cuba
Telephone: (+53) 50939620
Email: eventos@amistur.cu

OTHER CONTENT

International Coalition of Humanity

Datum: 28. januarja 2025

Konec: 31. januarja 2025