Open Call: Unlock 2025

The post-Cold War order cannot be taken for granted anymore. With Russia spearheading brutal alliances of convenience, all pretence of following the rules has evaporated. The global geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically and democracies have so far been unable to stand against the tide. Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia are in the crosshairs of a revanchist Russia, and civil society in these countries is under unprecedented pressure.
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This geopolitical reality means civil society is having to find new ways to work, adapt and survive. The old ways of doing things cannot be relied upon. Refusing to accept the reality of this new order and to stay relevant, changemakers of all kinds are finding new and creative ways to withstand the ever-increasing pressures. Methods that were unthinkable a few years ago, are now possible and necessary to break the status quo.
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While the country contexts differ, we want to bring the stories of those who have adapted and found new ways to be relevant and impactful. The Prague Civil Society Centre invites activists, journalists, content creators, tech innovators, and all independent voices striving for positive change for our annual Unlock civic summit in Prague. This two-day gathering will bring together those who are redefining how civil society can remain relevant under extremely challenging conditions.
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Where: Prague, Czechia
When: 12-13 June 2025
Working language: English
Application deadline: 29 December 2024 23:59 CET
Who should apply: Unlock is for anyone striving for positive change

The agenda is coming soon. In the meantime, here are some examples of the topics we are planning to explore:

My identity matters: How do I use language, culture, and collective memory to build communities and movements? How can history help shape a positive future?  How do I amplify local voices?
Resilience: What can I learn from failure? I’m in exile – what can I do? How do I remain relevant? Is it time to rethink my approach?
Online frontline: How can I use tech to my advantage? How do I navigate online threats? How do I communicate securely? Who can I trust to work with?
Pushing back: How can I reclaim the initiative? How can I be impactful in increasingly restrictive conditions? How and when should I speak to the people who don’t think like me? How do I remain ethical when the other side isn’t?
Cross-border cooperation: How can the experience of others help me prepare better? How can I help my neighbours? How do we shake off the post-Soviet tag?
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You too can help us shape what the next Unlock will be! We encourage you to develop your own workshop or activity. Have a space to share your experiences, ideas, and skills with fellow participants. We reserve the right to make the final selection of activities.

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What awaits you at Unlock?
• Inspiring stories: Learn from those who make the world a better place. Hear what worked for them, what did not, and what can help you navigate increasingly challenging and restrictive environments.

• Practical workshops: Experiment with innovative methods and walk away with strategies to strengthen your work, and solutions to issues that matter to you.

• Networking opportunities: Meet leading activists, journalists, and changemakers of all kinds, and build connections that can support your initiatives.

• Podcast and video studios: Collaborate with other participants and create content that can expand your impact.

• Interactions with media: We are eager to share those inspiring stories with leading media from Czechia and beyond.
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If you are selected, what can you expect from us?
• Visa support (anyone who needs it)
• Travel costs (only for a limited number of participants)
• Accommodation (only for participants delivering workshops and/or activities included in the agenda)
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How to apply:
Selection is competition-based. By 29 December 2024 23:59 CET, tell us about yourself, why you would like to attend Unlock, what you would like to share with others, and how you can contribute to Unlock 2025. Apply here.

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Should you have any questions, contact us at unlockfest@praguecivilsociety.org.

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