“The challenge for all of us is to live in a way, to act in a way, where we make a difference to bring about a better world”
– F. W. de Klerk, Conference of Foreign Ministers 2001
Our Mission
The Prague Society promotes international cooperation in Central Europe. Our aims are:
- to promote a global approach to business, politics and academia;
- to help decision-makers to consider the implications of their actions;
- to develop a new generation of responsible, well-informed leaders and thinkers in Central Europe;
- to publish unique comment from our members and guests.
We create and maintain a network of businessmen, diplomats, politicians and academics, who contribute to important policy issues. Our events provide a unique opportunity for decision-makers to influence and act upon one another’s thinking in an atmosphere of trust and informality.
History
The Prague Society was established in June 1999 by a diverse group from the Czech Republic, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. The idea for the Society developed as its founders realised that the insights they had gained individually and collectively for nearly a quarter of a century should be extended on a wider scale.
The Society believes that the perspectives of others are of particular importance to Central Europe, whose talents, skills and energy have yet to be fully realised. The countries of the region share with many contemporary societies a disappointment with the state of public life. The ambitions of the days following the collapse of communism have faded. Suspicion of innovation and of foreign influence is endemic. There is a reluctance to share information and to work towards a common goal. Private gain dominates public interest.
The Society will encourage individuals to take a broader perspective through interactions that can lead to a renewed commitment to civic responsibilities.
