Program and Speakers
Aaron Frank (Ananta) – USA
Aaron will explore the historical construction of the “selfishness myth,” a prevailing narrative in Western society that portrays humans as naturally self interested. This myth underpins the justification for free market capitalism and continues to shape political and economic thought. The talk will trace the myth’s origins to 17th century Europe, where Indigenous critiques of European society prompted a conservative backlash, influencing thinkers like Hobbes and Smith. These reactions laid the groundwork for many of today’s dominant ideologies. Through a historical lens, this session uncovers how such narratives were cemented into mainstream belief—and what lessons we can draw to create new, cooperative paradigms of human nature.
Randi Jakobsen (Rainjita) – Norway
Randi will present on the Seikatsu Club Consumer Cooperatives, a powerful example of cooperative success. Originating in 1968 with a group of housewives, the Seikatsu model has grown into 33 independent coops with over 420,000 members. These cooperatives span food production, elder care, childcare, support for the disabled, and renewable energy initiatives—all rooted in ethics, sustainability, and mutual aid rather than profit. This session will explore how Seikatsu embodies community empowerment through “participatory welfare,” where human connection drives social services. It will also examine how the model relates to Sarkar’s ideas, their approaches to project financing and coordination, and the cultural political context that enabled their growth.
Dr. Ivana Milojević – Serbia/Australia
Ivana will deliver a keynote on feminist futures, drawing from her extensive work across sociology, education, gender studies, peace studies, and future thinking. She will also facilitate a hands on conflict transformation workshop, where participants will engage with methods to explore and resolve tensions within and between communities. This session invites participants to challenge dominant narratives and explore new pathways toward gender justice and peaceful cooperation.
Dr. Sohail Inayatullah – Pakistan/Australia
Sohail, UNESCO Chair in Futures Studies, will guide participants through two experiential workshops. His keynote address is entitled The Futures of the World System. In this presentation, Sohail will explore the future possibilities for the global system, focusing on the challenges we face as we transition to something new, a period that the Italian philosopher Gramsci called “the time of monsters.” Using Shri Sarkar’s theory of macrohistory, different potential paths for the next 30 to 70 years will be examined. The ideas of thinkers like Sorokin, Toynbee, and Galtung will help explain these possible futures. The concept of neohumanism and its impact will also be discussed. The session will include an interactive exercise to create different future scenarios, followed by a reflective activity to help us find our personal sense of control during difficult times.
Fernando Aranda – Mexico/Portugal
Fernando leads a hands-on workshop using printmaking to explore the slogan “cooperation empowers people to decide their own future.” In this interactive session, participants will first engage in dialogue about the meaning and lived examples of cooperation. They’ll then translate their ideas into drawings, which will be carved, inked, and printed using kline cardboard and vibrant paper. The final artworks will be displayed as a collaborative installation. A concluding dialogue circle will allow participants to reflect on the process and share insights about cooperation through visual storytelling.
Filipa Costa – Portugal
Filipa introduces Converge – Cooperativa Integral da Cova da Beira, a newly launched initiative based in central Portugal. Officially established in March, Converge emerged from the “Cova da Beira Converge” samaj movement and aims to strengthen the region’s economic, cultural, and ecological foundations. With 15 founding members and five key partner organizations—including farmers’ and cultural associations, the Ananda Kalyani Master Unit, and the Prout Research Institute Portugal—the cooperative unites local producers, associations, institutions, and consumers. This session will explore how Converge supports short supply chains, affordable housing, self-employment, the arts, and education, all while advancing social and environmental justice. Grounded in regenerative practices and equitable resource distribution, Converge offers a living model for cooperative prosperity in action.
Didi Ananda Uttama
Didi will present Layers of Cooperation: A Prout-Based Approach to Social Service. Social service is not just charity. It aims to empower people towards self-sufficiency, sustainability and self-determination. In alignment with PROUT’s emphasis on the upliftment of women, this highlights how women-led initiatives and peer-to-peer support networks build the foundation for true social and economic transformation.
Didi Ananda Uttama has worked in far east Asia and the Mediterranean area since the early 80’s. Her project in Greece since 2015 has embodied woman-to-woman support for marginalized refugees and migrants. Through educational, health, and psychosocial initiatives,
the program fosters resilience, dignity, and community cohesion.