Speakers shared personal experiences, professional insights, and audience reflections on technology, equality, and social change.
Fiona Passantino opened the evening with a talk on artificial intelligence, describing it as a story “as old as time”. Space governance expert Abbie Hutty pointed to Luxembourg’s role in shaping space regulation, noting that influence can come “not by launching rockets, but by launching rules”. Marta Correia spoke about divorce with humour, calling it the most difficult challenge she has faced, ahead of skydiving, cutting her own hair, and performing stand-up comedy in Germany.
13-year-old Melina Traxler questioned the phrase “Boys will be boys” and why “Girls will be girls” is rarely heard, drawing a standing ovation. Science Slam speaker Citlali Bruce Rosete explored spacecraft design using examples including a Rubik’s cube, a slice of cheese, and a satellite. Meanwhile, Demet Russ spoke about empowerment, asking whether people are given “a spoon or a chisel” to carve their path. Sébastien Garcin discussed respect and responsibility, suggesting a shift from traditional chivalry to opening safe spaces. And finally, Fatima Rougi focused on steady activism, emphasising that everyday actions in family, workplace, and community settings contribute to equality.
Artistic performances were also part of the programme: Trance to Dance involved the crowd in an interactive music session, while ESCO (Escape the Ordinary) presented choreography exploring themes of fragility and power.
According to the press representatives, participants praised both the organisation and the diversity of topics. Feedback included descriptions of impactful speakers and the benefit of hearing ideas from different spheres in one format. Attendees said they valued discussions that continued beyond the stage.
During networking, conversation prompts encouraged exchanges about personal challenges and ambitions, while questions from the Ville de Luxembourg invited suggestions on equality priorities such as safer public spaces, childcare access, and women’s representation.
Minister of Gender Equality Yuriko Backes closed the programme by acknowledging progress made while noting that more remains to be done: “We have ground to cover to reach the reality we want. And we want this reality now rather than later.”
