STAD_HUIS On Tour: sofa con­ver­sa­tion with Koen Schoors & Alicja Gescinska

On average, everything in the world changes once every 70 years. This decade, we are at such a tipping point. Fortunately, everything will change; that is inevitable and desirable.
 

At least, that is the starting point of economist Koen Schoors. A born storyteller, he takes you on a journey through his vision of the future, which philosopher Alicja Gescinska is keen to question.
 

After the discussion, you can ask questions or have a book signed.

Koen Schoors

Koen Schoors is a professor at Ghent University. In the past, he has also taught at KU Leuven, Vlerick Business School and the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. In his recently published book, “Everything Will Be Different”, he sets out his impressive vision of the future. It is a vision of realism – only pessimists would call it optimism.

Alicja Gescinska

Alicja Gescinska (Warsaw, 1981) is a writer and philosopher. Her philosophical debut “De verovering van de vrijheid” (The Conquest of Freedom, 2011) was widely acclaimed. With her debut novel “A Kind of Love” (2016), she won the 2017 Debut Prize and was nominated for the Confituur Bookshop Prize. She also wrote the book “Politics Without Parties” (2023), among others. She is also chair of PEN Flanders, an organisation that promotes freedom of expression, peace and international understanding worldwide.

Fun fact: Alicja Gescinska was taught by Koen Schoors.

• When: Sunday, 19 October 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30
• Where: Chapel Hall, Paul Van Ostaijen Building, Erasme Ruelensvest 127 in Heverlee (view on map)
• Language: Dutch
• Price: Pay what you can:
  • €10
  • €12 (suggested price)
  • €14
  • €2.40 with UiTPAS with reduced rate
• Accessibility
  • The room is wheelchair accessible
  • There is a lift
  • More about accessibility Paul van Ostaijen site

The sofa talks are part of the STAD_HUIS On Tour programme, a collaboration between the City of Leuven, 30CC and LOV2030.

Did you know that Leuven's iconic town hall is temporarily closed for restoration? That's why we're bringing this inspiring meeting place to you. At various locations throughout the city, we invite you to reflect, engage in dialogue and take action.

This autumn's theme is “democracy”. Because democracy is something you create yourself, every day. And sitting still is certainly not an option today. Turn inspiration into action or speak up yourself during an event.

On the programme:

• sofa conversations “Thinkers on democracy”,
• documentaries “The Five of Vranckx”,
• duo lectures “From parchment to participation”,
• exhibition “The Democracy Factory” for schools,
• and an innovation lab for young people “Future Generation Lab”.