Participants from various countries shared their perspectives on the state of education at the World Forum for Democracy. Concerns ranged from inequality and corruption to the need for new ideas and the impact of economic crises on education funding. The French embassy facilitated attendance by providing free visas, and participants expressed a desire to implement European practices and improve education in their respective regions.

DiEM25, a movement advocating for a Progressive International across Europe, endorses 15 parliamentary candidates for the UK general election on June 8, 2017. The endorsed candidates come from various parties including Labour, Liberal Democrats, SNP, Plaid Cymru, Greens, Scottish Greens, National Health Action Party, and Women's Equality Party. DiEM25's support reflects their progressive agenda for Britain and Europe, and their stance on Brexit negotiations. The movement emphasizes principled voting and transnational politics, aiming to demonstrate a European demos that rejects isolationism. The list includes politicians like Mhairi Black, Nick Clegg, and Caroline Lucas, and was decided through an internal vote by DiEM25 members across Europe.

The article discusses the challenges facing democracy and citizenship education in the UK, particularly in the wake of the Brexit vote. It highlights the marginalization and disenfranchisement of various demographic groups and the inadequacy of political debate. The Skills for Democracy event at the House of Commons, supported by MPs and featuring a panel of experts, aimed to build momentum for improving democratic skills. The event also marked the launch of 'Practical Politics' by Titus Alexander. The speakers addressed the decline in citizenship education, the need for political literacy, and the role of civil society organizations in fostering democratic participation. The article suggests that a comprehensive approach to democracy education, including campaigns and government support, is necessary to engage marginalized communities and promote inclusivity in decision-making processes.

Alex Sakalis shares his personal experience of opting for a summer vacation in the Greek mountains instead of the traditional beach holiday. He describes the beauty and tranquility of the Pindus National Park and the region of Zagori, highlighting the cooler temperatures, lack of light pollution, and authentic Greek culture. Despite the appeal, he notes that most Greeks prefer the beach, a trend influenced by historical state subsidies and media narratives. However, with recent extreme heatwaves and overcrowded beaches, some Greeks like journalist Kostas Giannakidis are discovering the charm of mountainous regions. Spiros Apergis of Aperghi Travel, who offers hiking holidays, observes a slow but growing interest in mountain tourism among Greeks. The article suggests that climate change and deteriorating conditions at the beaches may eventually lead more Greeks to explore their country's mountains.

The article by Alex Sakalis explores the life and work of Arseny Avraamov, a Soviet composer and visionary who created the Symphony of Sirens in 1922. This avant-garde musical performance used the city of Baku as an orchestra, incorporating industrial and military sounds to celebrate the October Revolution's anniversary. Avraamov's work aimed to merge politics and music, challenging traditional musical structures and creating a new form of music for the proletariat. Despite his innovative contributions to electronic music and sound editing, Avraamov was forgotten after his death in 1944, largely due to the political climate of the Soviet Union under Stalin. Interest in his work resurfaced in the 1990s, leading to reconstructions of his Symphony of Sirens and recognition of his genius in modern times.

The article explores the history and transformation of Tresigallo, an Italian village that was turned into a 'utopian city' during the Fascist era under the direction of Edmondo Rossoni. Initially a small, isolated village, Tresigallo was reimagined with grand architecture and modern amenities, aiming to improve the lives of its inhabitants. The city grew rapidly, but after World War II and the fall of Fascism, it experienced a decline. In recent decades, Tresigallo has been rediscovered and appreciated for its unique architecture, leading to efforts to repurpose its spaces and promote it as a destination for architectural and educational tourism. The town has been recognized as a 'City of Art' and is part of ATRIUM, an association of towns built under totalitarian regimes. Despite its complex past, Tresigallo is finding a new identity and purpose in the modern era.

The article provides a comprehensive guide to Milan, highlighting its historical and modern attractions. It begins with the iconic Milan Cathedral and nearby landmarks such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Museo del Novecento. The author suggests visiting the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa and its ossuary, as well as enjoying Milan's parks, including the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. The Fondazione Prada and the Navigli district are recommended for contemporary art and dining. Isola is described as a cool neighborhood with a mix of bourgeois and bohemian elements, featuring the Bosco Verticale and the Casa della Memoria. The article also lists various dining options, from speakeasies to Eritrean cuisine, and suggests places to stay, from hostels to luxury hotels. Finally, it recommends climbing the Duomo rooftop for panoramic city views.

The article explores the region of Thrace in Greece, focusing on the Pomak community in the Rhodope Mountains. The Pomaks, who speak a Slavic language, have a complex history of cultural identity shaped by geopolitical events, including WWII and the Cold War. The author visits Xanthi, a multicultural city, and interviews Betoul, a local who discusses the region's past isolation and its impact on development and identity. The article also covers the Kentavros Youth Festival, aimed at cultural exchange and community improvement, and the challenges faced by the Pomak language. The author's journey includes a visit to Kottani, where he experiences local hospitality and learns about the area's history and current state. The piece concludes by reflecting on Thrace's geographical and political complexities, its isolation from the political mainstream, and the warmth of its people.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict over the development of Erimitis, a pristine ecosystem on the Greek island of Corfu. Investment firm NCH Capital purchased a portion of the land in 2013 with plans to build a tourist village, including a hotel, bungalows, villas, and a marina. Local activists, environmentalists, and regional authorities have opposed the development, fearing it would destroy the area's natural beauty and unique biodiversity. Despite legal challenges and appeals to the European Parliament, the Greek government has continued to support the project. The Save Erimitis Group, bolstered by support from expatriates and wealthy investors with ties to Corfu, has been fighting to preserve the area. The war in Ukraine has halted the development, with NCH Capital expressing interest in selling the land, potentially to conservation-minded investors.

Vamvakou, a mountain village in the Peloponnese, Greece, is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the Vamvakou Revival project, funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The initiative, led by Eleni Mami and her husband Anargyros Verdilos, aims to reverse the village's decline by restoring buildings, setting up agricultural cooperatives, and installing high-speed wi-fi. The project has turned a closed school into a hi-tech cultural centre and co-working space, and aims to make Vamvakou a hub for science, technology, and eco-tourism. The population has increased from 9 to 21 since the project began, and the village recently celebrated its first birth in 30 years.

Vamvakou, a mountain village in the Peloponnese, Greece, is undergoing a transformation thanks to the Vamvakou Revival project. The initiative, supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, aims to prevent the village's decline by turning it into a sustainable, year-round destination. The project has seen the restoration of old stone mansions into guesthouses and homes, the reopening of the village restaurant and cafe, the establishment of agricultural cooperatives, and the installation of high-speed wi-fi. A former school has been converted into a hi-tech cultural center and co-working space. The project also focuses on eco-tourism, remote-working facilities, and a business incubator to encourage local entrepreneurship. Since the project's inception, the village's population has increased from 9 to 21, and the first child in 30 years was born there.

Bruce Clark's book 'Athens: City of Wisdom' is praised for its comprehensive exploration of Athens' history beyond the well-known Classical period, delving into the Byzantine, Frankish, and Ottoman eras. The author, Alex Sakalis, commends Clark's engaging writing style and his ability to weave short stories that are at times humorous, sad, and surreal. The review highlights Clark's success in portraying Athens as a city that has endured through a juxtaposition of contrasts, rather than a fallen city of past glories. The book is noted for its accessible narrative and the inclusion of lesser-known figures alongside prominent historical characters.