Meetings with 2026 honorary doctors
evenements |
As part of the 2026 honorary doctorates, UCLouvain is offering several opportunities to meet Salomé Saqué, Olivier Hamant and Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish.
Two public events have already been announced. More information about smaller gatherings and other formats for discussion will be shared shortly.
Resistance and adaptation: how to build a robust society in the face of cascading crises
In a world where climate, social and economic crises are intertwined, how can we build societies that are both resilient and adaptable?
Olivier Hamant, a researcher in biology and biophysics at the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, explores the complexity and resilience of living systems and suggests that we take inspiration from living organisms to rethink our societies around robustness rather than performance.
Salomé Saqué, journalist and director of the economics section of the media outlet Blast, examines social and climate crises through the prism of justice and collective action. Her investigations and essays, including Sois jeune et tais-toi (Be Young and Shut Up) and Résister (Resist), outline concrete ways to respond to contemporary challenges.
A stimulating debate-conference (in French), in partnership with Le Soir, to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of our societies and imagine sustainable solutions. Discussion moderated by Xavier Counasse, editor in chief of Le Soir
📍 Where : UCLouvain Saint-Louis, Auditorium Ommegang 10, Rue de l'Ommegang 6, 1000 Bruxelles.
📅 When : Wednesday 11 February
🕒 Time : from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Welcome from 7:30pm)
👤 Open to all
Documentary screening ‘I Shall Not Hate’
I Shall Not Hate tells the inspiring story of Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian doctor who, despite the war and the loss of three of his daughters in the conflict, chose to transform his pain into a message of peace and reconciliation. The film follows his extraordinary journey from Gaza to international conferences and illustrates how resilience and forgiveness can become powerful forces in the face of hatred and violence.
Through poignant images and moving testimonies, I Shall Not Hate invites us to reflect on humanity, compassion and commitment to a more just world. After the screening, the audience will have the opportunity to talk with Dr Abuelaish, who will share his personal experience and his vision of peace. Discussion moderated by Daniel Fontaine, journalist at RTBF (international affairs department)
📍 Where : Louvain-la-Neuve, Aula Magna, Foyer du Lac
📅 When : Wednesday 11 February
🕒 Time : from 6:00pm to 8:45pm (Welcome from 5:30 pm)
👤 Open to all