The Art of Disagreement: What It Takes to Sustain Democracy in Divided Times
About the session
Across the world, societies are experiencing rising polarization. Political, cultural, and economic divides are shaping how people live, vote, and relate to one another. For those working in politics and communities, this is not abstract. It is lived every day, in conversations, decisions, and relationships under strain.
This session brings together voices from different political perspectives and lived experiences to explore a central question: how do we continue to work, lead, and live together in the face of deep disagreement?
A political journalist will ground the conversation in what division looks like on the front lines. Two local politicians from different parties will reflect on the realities of representing communities with competing worldviews. A community leader will share practical approaches for creating spaces where people can come together, even when they do not agree.
The aim is not to resolve disagreement, but to explore how opposing views can coexist, and what it takes to hold more open and constructive conversations across difference.
This will be an interactive session. Participants will be invited into the discussion, with space for questions, challenge, and reflection.
Speakers and facilitators
Ros Wynne-Jones, Columnist, Daily Mirror
Lucy Lee, Labour Councillor, Barking and Dagenham
Hao Du, Reform UK Councillor, Didcot South
Maff Potts, Director, Association of Camerados
Who this is for
This session is for anyone interested in the future of democracy, including policymakers, practitioners, journalists, and community leaders working to navigate polarization and strengthen social cohesion.
What you will get out of it
A grounded view of how polarization is experienced in communities and political life
Perspectives from leaders holding different and sometimes opposing viewpoints
Practical examples of how to create spaces for dialogue and connection across difference
A chance to reflect on what you can do in your own context to engage constructively with division
This session is for those willing to engage with difference, listen across perspectives, and consider what it means to build societies where disagreement can coexist with respect.