Iva Odak, PhD, participated in the Festival of Empathy in Zagreb

Iva Odak, PhD, participated in the Festival of Empathy at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSU) Zagreb on November 29, where she delivered a lecture titled “From Classroom to Life: How Unequal Opportunities Shape the Future of Young People” and took part in a panel discussion titled “The Socioeconomic Impact of Culture on the Community”.

The lecture “From Classroom to Life: How Unequal Opportunities Shape the Future of Young People” opened up the question of why some pupils and students progress with ease, while others – despite effort – face obstacles. It explored the extent to which educational success depends on individual abilities and hard work, and how much it is shaped by the circumstances in which young people grow up. Drawing on research findings from Croatia and abroad, the lecture highlighted how social inequalities influence educational outcomes and encouraged reflection on whether our schools and universities truly offer equal opportunities — and how the education system can become more just and supportive for all.

The panel discussion “The Socioeconomic Impact of Culture on the Community” examined how cultural institutions, the independent scene, and various projects contribute to social cohesion, how culture influences local development and the economy, and whether empathy can become the foundation of future cultural policies. The conversation encouraged an exchange of ideas about the role of culture as a driver of social change and community development.