This year’s edition will be opened by Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador to the UK and Nancy Huston, whose novel’s title, Fault Lines, has inspired this year’s main theme. Former UK cabinet minister and diplomat Rory Stewart will then discuss the same topic in light of his own experience in a pre-recorded address.
They will be joined by 30 leading experts from both sides of the Channel who will address burning issues from war and geopolitics to the climate crisis, AI and disinformation and share their visions for a brighter future. Crossing French and British perspectives, they will engage audiences through free debates.
The designated theme for this year’s edition, Fault Lines, invites us to consider the instances in which historical events cross over with our most intimate selves, especially in light of the recent environmental, geopolitical and technological upheavals affecting the world.
In these changing and challenging times, when many of us feel the need to share ideas and exchange views, the Night of Ideas provides a platform to reflect upon current issues, rethink tomorrow’s world and sow the seed of new initiatives.
The Night of Ideas is part of the celebrations of the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
In the run-up to the Night of Ideas, a film season, Before the Night, will introduce the different panels while the Little Night will invite students from British and French schools to reflect on the main topics.
The Institut français d’Ecosse in Edinburgh also takes part in the Night of Ideas with a special screening organised on 6 February.
The Night of Ideas is organised by the Institut français in London, in collaboration with the Higher Education, Research and Innovation Department of the French Embassy, in partnership with the Maison française d’Oxford, the European Institute and the Department of English Language and Literature of the University College of London, the Global Engagement Department of King’s College and the London School of Economics and Political Science. It is supported by the Institut français in Paris, the French Institute’s Trust and Patrons’ Circle.
Contact
- Natacha Antolini
natacha.antolini@institut-francais.org.uk / 020 7871 3521
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