Conference of Social Responsibility

Date: 09.10.2026

Location: Society Casino (in the Hotel Mercure), Betenstraße 18, 44137 Dortmund

Time: 09.30 - 15.30 (program to follow)

How can democracy be strengthened in times of social polarization, growing pressure on civil society actors and rapid technological developments? And what role do universities, academia and NGOs play in this?

The 4th Conference of Social Responsibility addresses these questions under the title "Democracy unpromptable - the commitment remains!".

Following the joint exchange at the Transfer Day of the HAW in NRW 2025, we would like to deepen the dialog between science and civil society in 2026. The focus will be on the question of how cooperation between universities, NGOs and social initiatives can help to keep democratic structures resilient, open and capable of action.

A special focus is placed on two central topics:

• AI and civic engagement:
  How is artificial intelligence changing the work of NGOs? What opportunities arise for participation, communication and organization - and what risks arise for democratic processes, visibility and participation?
• Strengthening democracy through exchange and networking:
  How can science and civil society work together to respond to increasing political pressure? What forms of cooperation are needed to actively defend democratic values and promote social cohesion?
  The 4th CoSR is also a preparation for 2027, when the 5th Conference of Social Responsibility will take place as part of the annual conference of the university network Bildung durch Verantwortung e.V., which will be hosted by Fachhochschule Dortmund.

Democracy remains unpromptable - because it thrives on participation.