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Heidelberg Magazine Heidelberg 2017 Power Shifts Academic Forum
HEIDELBERG MAGAZINE
Rediscovering
4 12 The future of renewable
Co nt en ts 7
8
Heidelberg
Trends in Climate
Investment
Paris Agreement
Fact Check
14
energy
The Big Green
Bang
10 Electricity in Europe
Energy
17 The 3 Powershifts
Fora
18 Powershifters
The Trilogy
21 A Thunder of Effort and Banter
22 Q & A with the Head Organisers
24 Q & A with the President
26 Energy Talk with Peter Terium
28 Humans of Heidelberg
People
Heidelberg‘s Energy
31 Entrepreneur
32 #GiveItAThought
Best Dressed Opening
34 Ceremony
Other
Dear reader,
EDITORIAL
In the following pages you will find a wide variety of
content. Ranging from current political issues to the
people that made Heidelberg 2017 what it became,
there should definitely be reading material for
any- and everyone. As a result of the extraordinary
creative-range found within the team, we are proud
to say that not only the articles and pictures, but
also the illustrations come from our pens.
When compiling the concept that became Heidel-
berg 2017, it was not hard to agree on one of the
fundamental pillars: a high-level magazine. Both
of us stemming from a time when quantity in EYP
media was prioritised over quality rather heavily, it
was self-evident that we would like to put the team’s
focus elsewhere and not on producing several
mediocre magazines.
“Happiness is having a large,
loving, caring, close-knit family
in another city.” (George Burns)
In your hands, you hold the shiny product of a
family. We feel that the media team has been forged
into a unit, similar to a family. Very much like a
family, we do not insist on always getting along with
one another, but instead prefer to honesty with one
another. While there is no rigorous allocation of
roles, the Editors are usually stuck with the role of
parenting and Luca, the Video Editor, ends up as the
funny uncle.
After long nights of compiling, correcting and
collaborating, we are exhausted, but happy - with
the Magazine of the Heidelberg 2017 Power Shifts
Academic Forum. We hope that you can part-take in
the joy that we felt creating it!
Sabrina & Tobias
Media Team of Heidelberg 2017
Editors: Sabrina Mellerowic (DE) &Tobias Satlow (AT)
Video Editor: Luca Draisci (IT)
Media Team Members:
Aijan Muktar (CH)
Zain Mumtaz (SE)
Utkan Dora Öncül (TR)
Nora Schmiedbauer (AT)
Millie Smith (UK)
Elina Stavridou (GR)
Katarina Stefanović (RS)
HD_Magazine_3
Rediscovering
Millie Smith
The year is 2117, two young university due to damages the castle is closed for the two are shocked to find that the smog
students, Chrissy and Ella, are taking in visitors’. Disappointed, they turn to leave has lifted. The electrical surge created by
the sights around Heidelberg castle. The but as they do Ella notices the door to the the lightning strike also gives life to the
castle used to boast of impressive views stairwell is open. Daringly, Ella steps over electric lights and broadcasting screens
but as they look out over the city now, a the threshold, undeterred by the notice. set up in the courtyard. To Chrissy and Ella
thick smog looms over the river. The only Spurred by example, Chrissy follows Ella it almost feels as if they had been sent
indication of life is a few flickering street- through the door. In the room behind, back in time. Overwhelmed by what just
lights on the river bank. there is a picture of Heidelberg from over happened, Chrissy and Ella turn their at-
a century ago, followed by the caption ex- tention to the broadcast the daily news.
If it weren’t for the face masks that cov- plaining that there was meant to be the The United States’ presidential candidate
ered their mouths, they would struggle to opening of a “Power Shifts Forum”, but Donald Trump’s face flashes on the screen
breath clean air. As Ella leans over the cas- it had to be called off last minute, due to confusion spreads between the two.
tle wall, she looks down at the river and non-disclosed circumstances. Apparently
remarks ‘It’s hard to believe Heidelberg some sort of trilogy was left incomplete. It is May 2016 and there are concerns
once used to be a green city’. They wander that climate change scepticism are on the
over the bridge towards the castle’s court- The door falls shut behind them, the rise along with the popularity of Donald
yard, stepping carefully on the cobbled only opportunity for an easy exit seems Trump. As they listen to his remarks, Ella
stones. They become aware of the historic to be the staircase up. Their steps create and Chrissy are reminded of what the fu-
castle as it looms over them and they feel a palpable stir in the air and the sound ture holds. Suddenly their thoughts are
as if they are not alone; they nervously of thunder can be heard in the distance. as clear as the city below them. In their
turn their heads from side to side, squint- The stairs begin to shake, making the pair version of the future, Heidelberg 2017,
ing their eyes to see if anyone is lurking reach out to the crumbled walls to sup- the third and final Power Shifts Forum,
in the smog - but no one is to be seen. port their climb as they rush to the top of has not happened. Perhaps it was up to
the stairwell. In the moment, they burst them to be the change they wanted to see
Within the castle they notice the room is lit out into the open air on top of the stair- in the world.
by candlelight, casting intimidating shad- case. A bolt of lightning hits the ground
ows onto the walls. Their eyes are directed outside and a bright white light fills the The session took months to plan but Ella
to a notice which states ‘We apologise but room. As Chrissy and Ella’s eyes adjust and Chrissy, together with the team they
4
Heidelberg
Theresa Lindlahr
gathered around them, never wavered teams engaged in heated discussions with ideas and the spirit of debate. Proud-
in their drive and ambition to make it a about the preventing air pollution and ly, the delegates displayed what they
reality. In order to ensure a good session climate change, whilst others delved into have acquired both in terms of academ-
leadership from an academic standpoint, the implementation of smart grids and ic expertise and competences. Ella and
Maria Pashi was asked to take over the sustainable transport systems. Chrissy sighed a breath of relief: There
job of president as well as the Steering would be a generation who stands up
Group which had mentored the two pre- Eurovillage provided a taste of European to make a change and protect the plan-
vious Power Shifts Forums, was contacted. cuisine and the variety of foods filleds et from the devastation the two of them
Together, they gave Chrissy and Ella direc- the tables high. With little encourage- have seen.
tions and advice, making sure the session ment needed, the delegates gathered to
connects well with the other two and truly eat Swiss chocolate, Polish toruń ginger- Finally, the Closing Ceremony marked
completes the trilogy. bread and French crêpes. Later on in the the success of the final and last Power
week, the Euroconcert provided a stage Shifts Forum. With the session called to
Tirelessly, the pair fought for sponsorship, for the musicians and dancers to share a close, Ella and Chrissy felt a change in
venues and experts to make this session their passion for the arts. the air. Whilst happily dancing away the
remarkable. Most importantly though, night with all the participants during the
the session needed delegates. Full of The session hosted experts, both from Gala Night, they felt a thunder in the air.
anticipation, they called for the smartest the field of economics and politics, con- Suddenly, Ella and Chrissy are brought
and most committed students in Europe necting change makers of the future with back to the cobbled streets in the Hei-
to attend Heidelberg 2017, in the hope those of the present. As the session flew delberg of their own time. As the pair
that they can change the future. Provid- by, blurring one day into the next, the leans against the old brick wall, they take
ing the third and final power shift forum delegates found that with each academic a deep breath in. The air is fresh and the
that was needed to complete the trilogy. event their understanding exceeded that fog has lifted. All is well.
of the previous day and they were becom-
The 8th of August 2017 arrived and the ing experts themselves.
committees started to gather in the city of
Heidelberg to discuss the most pressing The time had come for the final academic
issues of the current day and age. Some discussion. General Assembly was filled
HD_Magazine_5
IN THIS SECTION Energy
7 Trends in Climate
Investment
12 The Future of Renewable
Energy
Paris Agreement Fact
8 Check 14 The Big Green Bang
10 Electricity in Europe
IIllustrated by Utkan Dora Öncül
Trends in
climate investment
The transport sector accounts for nearly erages in policy measures to fight carbon
one quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.
emissions and thus its decarbonisation is Both Paris and Amsterdam have taken
crucial for the endeavor to keep the extent initiative and facilitated consumers’ tran-
of global warming below 1.5° C compared sition towards electric mobility. Paris man-
to pre-industrial revolution levels. Howev- dated that every private electric vehicle is
er, the energy transition in the transport allowed to recharge at the city’s car-sharing
sector has been regrettably slow. Despite programmes’ charging stations. Amster-
evidence of the latter’s absolute necessity dam respectively introduced a new strate-
and overarching energy policies installed gy in allocating charging stations to those
by the EU, the Member States prove reluc- neighborhoods who request it, ensuring
tant when it comes to making the respon- security of supply.
sible choice for long-term sustainability,
instead opting for short term economic While there is indeed a threat of climate
profit. Particularly Germany, one of the change scepticism, fuelled and helped by
forerunners in climate protection policy, economic ignorance, appalling policy and
has always maintained a peculiar and sym- leadership decisions, there is also a morale
pathetic relationship with its automotive and willingness for climate action arising.
industry that has hitherto obstructed the In response to the announcement of with-
commitment towards an energy transition drawing from the Paris Agreement, other
in the transport sector. national governments as well as many US
cities and companies rose to the challenge
Other countries successfully meet and and tightened measures in order to exceed
even embrace the challenge of shifting their prior commitment to global climate
gears in the transport sector. Norway, for targets. Within the EU, several national
instance, has met and countered consum- legislators have committed to more ambi-
ers’ fears concerning the inferior life span tious targets for the transport sector’s tran-
of electric car batteries and the risks posed sition to green alternative power engines
by the low endurance in rural areas. Due to within the next two decades.
an enhanced network of charging stations Examples of national, regional and munic-
and the award of multiple tax privileges, ipal governments tightening energy poli-
almost a third of Norway’s newly registered cy as well as positive changes in consumer
cars in 2016 came with electric engines, an behavior and company policies through-
effort which puts similar European policies out the world give reason to hope: We are
to shame. on the right track to achieve short-term
Furthermore, although Europe spent the energy targets. However, whether meas-
most on energy efficiency in 2016, China ures are effective and sufficient enough to
remains the most attractive destination for also reach long-term targets in time before
new energy investments. Being the largest climate change has done irreversible dam-
spender on energy research and develop- age remains open.
ment and accounting for more than 40 %
of the electric cars sold worldwide in 2016,
China is leading the world in the electrifi-
cation of the transport sector.
Often, the effects of carbon emissions al-
ready show in form of urban air pollution
and increase readiness to immediately
react both, as legislators and and as con-
sumers. On this account, many larger cities
have exceeded the respective national av-
By Theresa Lindlahr
HD_Magazine_7
PARIS AGREEMENT
FACT CHECK
„I was elected to
represent the citizens
of Pittsburgh, not
Paris,“ - Donald Trump
I n the current digital age, we are constantly glued to
our screens. This meant that the news of Donald Trump
withdrawing from the Paris agreement on the 16th of
July was instantly omnipresent. Sadly though fast com-
Is the US the biggest contributor
to global warming?
munication has aggravated the threat of not fully under- Whilst China is currently biggest emitter of CO2, the US, with
standing an issue, or even being drawn into fake news. It only 4% of the global population, is responsible for almost a
is crucial that you know your facts. third of the excess CO2 in the atmosphere. This also means
that in cumulative terms, they are the biggest polluters. This
is partly due to the fact that burning fossil fuels started in the
What is the Paris Agreement? US at an incredibly high rate earlier when compared with
the rest of the world.
Central to the agreement, which has been signed by near- Climate Interactive, has calculated that without the involve-
ly 200 countries, is the consensus that countries should ment of the US in the fight against global warming, we
“endeavour to limit” global temperatures somewhere to could see a 0.3°C increase in global temperatures by 2100.
between 1.5 and 2.0 °C above pre-industrial times. More
ambitiously, between 2050 and 2100, movements towards
limiting the amount of greenhouse gases emissions to the
same levels the natural environment can absorb will begin.
What will the impact of this
In the US, Trump has blamed the Paris agreement for do-
mestic job losses in energy production. He also believes that
withdrawal be?
the agreement costs the American citizens a “vast fortune”. One of the biggest impacts will be the withdrawal of climate
funding. The UN’s Green Climate Fund has raised more than
$10 billion from wealthier countries. Its purpose is to help
the, so-called global south, adapt and mitigate the effects
8
of climate change. As the main contribu-
tor, the withdrawal of the US will severely
What about the
slash the Climate Fund and negatively
affect other countries who rely on this in-
domino effect?
come. Once a precedent is set, there is a risk that
others will follow the example. Turkey’s
As a positive side note, governors and president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an-
mayors of states in the US banded togeth- nounced that he would be less inclined to
er to make a statement the moment Pres- ratify the Paris agreement in wake of the
ident Trump announced the withdrawal US decision. He believes that the with-
of the US from the Paris agreement. They drawal could jeopardise funds promised.
promised to abide by their commitment However, the global response mostly re-
to the Paris Agreement, despite future iterated and created an even stronger the
undertakings of the US as a whole.. Re- commitment to tackling global warming.
ports have suggested that if all US cities Signatories of the agreement spoke out
were to turn against Trump and commit against Trump, with different levels of
to the Paris Agreement, they could con- conviction. With the withdrawal of the US,
tribute 6% of global greenhouse gas sav- China and the EU are looked upon to step
ings. This would give the Paris Agreement up and fill the void. Europe will need to
greater chance of achieving its goals. be more vocal in highlighting the world’s
Most importantly, the US will not officially commitment to the agreement, otherwise
leave the agreement until weeks after the there is a risk it will become irrelevant.
US presidential election in 2020. It is thus
a possibility for the next US President to There was a time not long ago, when the
re-join the agreement. withdrawal of American support would
spell disaster for any effort to make a
change. Despite the withdrawal of the US
from the Paris Agreement, the urgency
OPINION - In an that drives the fight against global warm-
ing remains unwavered. The global outcry
attempt to become at the US exit may, in fact, be the push to-
wards greater dedication the agreement
the people’s hero, from other signatories.
Trump makes the
world black and white.
There are simple By Millie
answers to big Smith
problems in Trump’s
world, he follows his
business minded
political ideas with a
conviction that cannot
be weakened.
HD_Magazine_9
Electricity in Europe
Production
Carbon dioxide emissions
per kWh of electricity
produced in Europe is
following a downward
trend, while about 56% of
Europe’s net electricity is
already produced by low
carbon sources.
In 2005, as well as in 2015,
Cyprus and Malta were con-
firmed to be solely supplied
with electricity by one pro-
ducer, who enjoyed a comple-
te monopoly. At least 70% of
the market shares of France,
Estonia, Croatia, Slovakia and
Greece were held by their
biggest supplier.
kWh
10The European Union has agreed upon the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%
until the year 2020 and by a minimum of 40% by 2030 compared to the levels reached in 1990.
Consumption
36% of the monthly expenditure of average EU households is
From 2005 to
currently used to cover electricity. The price has mainly been
2015, the electri-
raised over the last years through taxes and policies.
city consumption
per EU household
fell by 0,9%. In
the majority of EU
countries in which
the amount used
has increased, the
increment stayed
below 10%.
By Nora
Schmiedbauer
kWh
HD_Magazine_11The future of
renewable energy
By Millie Smith
W W are unsustainably over dependent on non-renewable energy. The security of the power supply in Europe
is at risk every day and at the current pace, the demand for non-renewable energy looks to outweigh its
supply. One day there will be no other option but to rely on renewable energy. The traditional sources of renewable
energy (wind power; solar; hydroelectric power; tidal, wave and ocean power; geothermal energy; biofuels; and re-
newable waste) accounted for 13% of the EU-28’s gross inland energy consumption, which is on course to meet the
goals set out by the union. The question remains, what the future of renewable energy will look like?
There are two main challenges the future will face; meeting energy demand and encouraging innovation.
Meeting Energy demand high and could even sell excess energy they have stored back
to the national grid.
The European Commission reports good progress towards the
goal of relying on renewable sources of energy for 20% of final
energy consumption by 2020. However, if European non-re- InnovatioN
newable resources were to dry up tomorrow, European energy
providers would not be able to meet the demand for power. The
demand for energy overall is not stagnating either, predictions Large-scale European energy producers have traditionally
estimate that global energy demand will grow by a third by been reliant on subsidies to build solar and wind farms, and
2035. Recent movements towards renewable energy storage supply competitive renewable energy to consumers. These
aim to meet this ever-increasing demand and revolutionise initiatives aimed to spark interest in the renewable energy
power supply. industry. High subsidies for solar and wind power have since
been slashed across Europe and left the industry with few
Battery storage is supposed to work like a tap, in that when you incentives for investors. Innovations in technology are thus
are thirsty you drink. When the sun doesn’t shine and the wind crucial for the development in and of the sector.
doesn’t blow, there is little chance of renewable energy provid- Crowd funding projects encourage the development of new
ing a constant secure power supply. In order to tackle this issue, renewable technologies, some of which have the potential to
tremendous amounts of research into energy storage are un- revolutionise how we go about our daily lives. Innovative ide-
dertaken. So called energy storage sites could harbour excess as will shape the future of our energy policies in the future.
energy produced at peak production and release it when there Ideas like these can come from the simplest of places, even
is a peak in demand. This would reduce the current waste in the Heidelberg Power Shift Forum. Start thinking about what
excess energy and create a secure power supply. you personally could do to shape the future of renewable en-
ergy - It all starts with an idea.
Such batteries could be directly attached to houses with solar
panels and wind turbines, acting exactly as a tap would. Not
only would these storage sites create a safety net, they would
shift the power from energy producers to consumers in more
than one way. The benefits are enormous for consumers, espe-
cially given that they would save money when energy prices are
12The ‘Starpath’ - City
pathways that contain ultravio-
let particles which absorb light during
the day and glow in the dark. This new technol-
ogy lights up streets and replace wasteful street lights.
The project has already been initiated in Cambridge in
the United Kingdom, with plans to imple-
ment it across Europe.
Floating wind farms – Currently being
trialled in parts of Scotland, these turbines har-
vest wind power in waters too deep for bottom-standing
turbines. This new structure has opened the ocean to
more offshore wind farms.
Solar panel window - Solar cells, which
are invisible to the naked eye, are embedded within
the glass and harvest solar energy. This then provides power
for the building, which is especially popular amongst big
business buildings.
HD_Magazine_13Iceland Sweden
Iceland is the only country supplied by Sweden - Sweden´s prime minister set a goal
100% renewable sources. It gets its energy at the UN General Assembly last year, to make the
from hydropower and from geothermal power. country completely free from fossil fuels by 2040.
However Iceland also has the highest greenhouse Sweden gets around 57% of its energy from renewable
gas emissions per capita in Europe, due to its heavy energy, and plans to shut down the nuclear power that
dependence on fishing and heavy industry due to is supplying the remaining energy. In addition, power
its isolated geographic location. Iceland plans plants running using recycled materials are so ad-
to cut emissions over the next 20-30 years by vanced that is buying waste from its neighbours
using geothermal electricity in all of its to use as fuel for heating and electricity for
transportation. around 2,50,000 homes.
Denmark
In 2015, Denmark exported its excess energy
to Germany, Sweden and Norway as it produced
140% of its energy needs through wind power alone.
It is the first country to build massive offshore wind farms
and has become a wind power pioneer. Denmark’s goal is Germany
to reduce domestic energy consumption by 7% by 2020 by
building more energy efficient infrastructure. Since 2013 it is Protests in 2011 led to reform in
forbidden to install oil and gas fired heating systems in new November of the same year, when a unity
buildings. 12% of all power is generated from biogas and government was formed. In March 2013
organic waste, while rest of the energy for heating is reforms continued, as a new constitution started
co-generated with electricity. Just like Sweden, to be written. Conflict still exists, as Al-Qaeda is
Denmark also envisions to have fossil fuel constantly in action, and Shi’ii protests in the
free future [by year]. country call for the president to back down.
France
France- France is facing air pollution as one
of its major environmental problems. Therefore,
in recent years, the French government has started
to pursue clean technology through the use of
Austria
governmental subsidies. In addition, the French gov-
ernment is also investing and supporting suppliers
of energy efficient parts, the purchase of electronic, Austria - Since 2002, Austria has invested
and hybrid cars. Many cities are also banning EUR 2.8 billion in eco-electricity, mostly spent
diesel cars from entering into centres and aim on solar parks and hydroelectric stations. Austria
to ban the sale of petrol and diesel by has set a target of being powered by 34%
2040. renewable energy by 2020 and want be self
sufficient by 2050.
14Finland
Within the EU, Finland together with
Sweden and Austria are the leading
countries for using renewable energy. The for-
esting industry is the biggest user of electricity
and uses its wood residues as renewable
energy, for this year the share of renewable
energy is set to exceed 40%.
The big green bang
By Zain Mumtaz
HD_Magazine_15IN THIS SECTION The trilogy
17 The 3 Powershifts Fora
18 Powershifters
IIllustrated by Utkan Dora ÖncülThe 3 PowerShifts Fora
Lyon 26.10. - 2.11.2015
122 participants from 26 countries
10 committees
5 Resolutions passed
In Lyon, focus was put on the communication between
the different committees. There was an Inter-Commit-
tee Exchange for giving and receiving feedback from
partner committees twice. As the result of Lobby Night,
all Amendments that ended up with enough signatures,
were discussed during a first General Assembly. After
that, during a revision day, two experts were invited to a panel discussion. At a second and
final General Assembly, the resolutions were presented, including all amendments added
during the first GA.
Warsaw 22. - 30.10.2016
129 participants from 30 countries
8 committees
6 Resolutions passed
During the session, a panel discussion as well as an input
lecture. A Lobby Night was held in order to receive gene-
ral feedback for one’s own resolution, where signatures
for amendments could be collected. It was up to the
committees whether or not to include them into their
resolutions.
Heidelberg 9. - 16.8.2017
127 participants from 26 countries
8 committees
Heidelberg is the first of the fora to include the module
“IC Understanding”. A variety of expert inputs were
offered on the second day of Committee Work, the day
itself ending with a Lobby Night. The Revision Day gave
time to finalise the Resolutions before a single General
Assembly.
All three fora were preceded by a training weekend in order to enhance academic and overall
preparation. For Lyon, only the Chairs team was included, whereas for the other two fora, all of
the officials convened
by Nora Schmiedbauer
HD_Magazine_17Timotheus Riedel, Delegate After having participated in all three sessions, how do you feel
about the topic now?
Why did you decide to participate in all three sessions?
It is obvious that it is a very important topic for the future, but
I decided to participate in the first Powershifts session because at the same time it is very technical, especially when it comes
my then flatmate was a chairperson there and invited me to ap- to grids, infrastructure, power plants and how this should work.
ply. I went to Lyon 2015, which turned out to be one of the best This is why it is even more important to get young people to
weeks of my life. I met many amazing people there, some of think about it, as society is splitting into specialists and other
which have become close friends, which is why we decided to people, and few people understand what is actually going on.
go to in Warsaw 2016, and later joined Heidelberg. Democracy can work only when everybody has at least a basic
understanding of what is going on, in order to be able to discuss
What do you think of the concept of having a trilogy of ses- it, which is why what we are doing here is so important.
sions surrounding a common theme?
I think that is a pretty good idea. I think it is kind
of a problem in EYP that usually the results of
delegates’ resolution get lost once the ses-
sion is over. This is why I like the idea
of building on these results, car-
rying them over to the next
session.
Powershifters
PowerShifts Heidelberg 2017 is the third in a row of three fora, which also took place
2015 in Lyon and 2016 in Warsaw. In contrast to usual EYP sessions, they strongly fo-
cussed on keeping track of a set of issues and the youth’s opinion about them. Some partici-
pants were in the fortunate position to attend all three of the fora, which made the media team ask
how, why and what made them do it.
18Maria Cossi, delegate
What do you think of the concept of having a trilogy of ses-
sions surrounding a common theme?
I think it is very important because it’s not an easy topic, so by
having these three Fora, one can actually dive into the topics. It
is also interesting to see how perspectives within a few years. In
Lyon, for example, I was in the Committee on Climate Change
and we had to focus on the EU approach to the COP 21. Now,
I’m in the Committee on Environment and we need to tackle the
fact that the United States is withdrawing from the Agreement.
In only 2 years, so many things have changed.
After having participated in all of the Powershifts trilogy, how
do you feel about the topic now?
I feel much more comfortable now about the topic, than I was
in Lyon. The thing I like the most is that these fora are really aca-
demic, overall people are very well prepared.
How do you feel about the fact that this is going to be the last
session of the trilogy?
I am a bit sad, because I made quite some friends with whom
I went to multiple Fora, and it really feels like a family by now.
Alex Blin, steering group
How is it to be part of the Steering Group?
Being involved fully in the project for the 3 years was challeng-
ing and exciting, because 3 years is very long. Usually in EYP,
you go from one session to another without that kind of connec-
tion. Only organising an International Session takes that long
time in an EYPer’s life, but it is still only one session.
How do you feel about the fact that this is going to be the last
session of the trilogy?
It is a strange feeling, because at the Powerbank every official
was thinking about the start of their project Heidelberg 2017,
while us, the Steering Group, were planning the end of our pro-
ject. Many people see Heidelberg as a session among others,
whereas for me, it is one third of the project and the last piece of
the puzzle to finalise our work. I am relieved to reach the end of
the Powershifts project because it has been a wonderful project
which impacted many young europeans from at least 30 coun-
tries. Bringing energy to youth was not an easy task. I believe
the Steering Group and all officials did a great job making the
project a success, which is why I am very happy with it.
By Aijan Muktar
HD_Magazine_19IN THIS SECTION People
21 ABanter
Thunder of Effort and
26 Energy
Terium
Talk with Peter
22 QHead-Organisers
& A with the
28 Humans of
Heidelberg
24 Q&A with the President IIllustrated by Utkan Dora ÖncülA thunder of effort
and Banter
The organisers can be considered the backbone of any
session - Without them, everything would probably just
fall over. Very similar to ones backbone, they are often out
of sight, out of mind until problems start arising. For that
reason one should ensure to look after them, much like
one’s own spine, unless the organisers already look after
one another.
The (session-)life of an organiser is as often quite varied
and exciting, either rushing through the corridors with-
out a breath to spare or hidden away in their organisers’
room. Find below small excerpts from their adventures:
The large coffee machine used for breaks is named REGI-
NA and It is in the possession of EYP Germany for several
years already. As she has seen many a coffee already, she
has become somewhat unreliable, frequently malfunc-
tioning. Thus one the most important training modules
for new organisers has become the handling of Regina
- because no coffee means no happy people.
Franziska, the organiser responsible for delegates had
an eerie nightmare not too long ago. She dreamt that
the delegates were not arriving to the session since she
had only contacted them through email before. Instead of
being real people, she thought they were just a virus on
her computer. Therefore, she was utterly happy to see the
faces behind the words arriving for registration.
Nutrition is one of the basic needs of any human being.
Julian, responsible for logistics, took this thought to heart
and decided to sign up as a vegan to the session. His mo-
tives were not so much due to a concern for animals, but
more focused on the hope of ending up with two plates of
food for every meal. Sadly for him, he only get’s one meal
every time - and some extra coconuts or cucumbers from
the organisers to help him sustain.
.. ..
By Utkan Dora OncUl
HD_Magazine_21Q and A
WITH CHRISTINE
MEISER and ELLA
GEMÜND
By Theresa Lindlahr
Illustration by Katarina Stevanovic
22T: I’ve heard that one of you is re- necessarily the smoothest organ- cessful, but it’s going to teach you
ally responsible and the other the ising period, but it has always lessons, probably no other organi-
most funky dancer in EYP Germa- been an enjoyable one. The organ- sation can teach you.
ny, but I don’t know who is who?! isers are genuinely very, very nice Why I still do EYP? It doesn’t mat-
people and even when something ter whether I’m a chairperson, a VP
E: I would say both of us are re- doesn’t work out as planned they or an organiser, the development
sponsible and good dancers but make up for it with the fun and in the people that are in a way at-
when it comes to dancing one of enjoyment they bring to the team. tached to you is something I find
us is a bit more ruthless! Everyone is… energetic, and also very enriching and rewarding.
enthusiastic and that motivates
me as well to give my best. T: Can you give an example of
T: How would you describe each this?
other throughout the long work-
ing-process together? T: Was it clear from the start that C: At a session in rural Austria
Heidelberg would be such a last December a delegate who
E: Chrissy sometimes tends to be high-level session with many ex- had previously given very contro-
more critical whereas I am more perts and academic events or did versial statements on the topic
optimistic about things working the programme evolve over time? of migration later told us he was
out. So she thinks of all the prob- so surprised that this wasn’t just
lems I would not even have con- C: We knew from the beginning a one-dimensional issue. Before
sidered. Some are maybe not that that we had the support and coming to the session he had nev-
relevant and we can laugh about means to try out new formats. er before regarded migrants as
them, but others are really im- persons, people with feelings, in-
portant, so we are a good yin and E: The format with two GAs is pop- stead of mere numbers. While the
yang. ular now in EYP. We wanted to do numbers had had an overwhelm-
something similar that likewise ing and rather paralysing effect on
C: Working with Ella is constant- increases the academic quality, him, he now felt the urge to help.
ly energy intensive and I think but do it in an innovative way and And what’s more brilliant than be-
I need that high energy next to thus we had the Energy Night. We ing one of the very starting points
my sometimes more critical self. could not be happier about it. of such an eye-opening change, to
We really push and challenge be able to reach people and trig-
each other in what we think we C: I wanted to include previous ger a switch? People concerning
are capable of. I think what I was experiences from chairing and themselves with their environ-
most afraid of whether the project the academic work of EYP. Every ment, getting involved and doing
would be cool, but that it would event in their order aims to help something about it? That’s what
not be enjoyable on a personal the chairs and committees in their still keeps me in the EYP, I can al-
level - But I’ve had the best time work towards the best possible ways see that happening.
organising it! And that’s largely outcome.
because of the cooperation and
trust between the two of us and T:Is there anything you have al-
also between us, Kira and Kerstin, T: Why do you do EYP and what ways wanted to say to a large
which made long Skype talks also would you tell people who are not group of people?
fun. We laugh a lot together! quite sure yet whether to try EYP
themselves? E: I think this is the time when I
T: Were there any funny stories should quote Martin Luther King
during the organising process C: I would tell potential EYPers, and talk about dreams and deep
with your team? why not? I’m naturally very cu- ideas, but the only real advice I
rious and aim to try new things can give anyone is go to the store
C: We had a hilarious weekend all the time. In EYP I have found and get yourself a milk foamer.
when all 15 of us stayed in Ella’s a place where I can constantly do It’s a dream you can fulfil immedi-
2-bedroom-apartment. One of this. There is always a challenge ately. Get a milk foamer, it’s pure
our organisers is a sleep-talker so and it’s a very open space where happiness right there.
we were very much entertained you can try and push your limits.
throughout the night! It was not It’s not always going to be suc-
HD_Magazine_23Q and A
WITH Maria
PASHIBy Utkan Dora ÖncÜl
Illustration by Katarina Stefanovic
Q:
Would you say that you have a certain style
Q: of presiding?
How did you become the president of Power Shifts
2017?
A:
I am a person who sticks to classics while leaving room for
A: experiments. Classics are classics for a reason but, I think
being rigid isn’t optimal either. We should all experiment
and adjust to the environment. Where are we going to find
innovation, if we repeat ourselves in our separate comfort
I remember receiving an email invitation from the Board zones?
of EYP Germany when I was road-tripping in Canada. I was
quite excited because International Fora leave the space
for experimentation and there is less pressure compared
to International Sessions. Also, the invitation was quite in
advance - ten months before - so I could easily balance my
work life with session preparations. I had confidence in Ger-
man organisers and thus accepted the honour of leading
Q:
the end of the Power Shifts Trilogy.
In addition, I asked if we could move the dates of the session
a week earlier and they did to accommodate me, so I felt Talking about innovating through experimenting,
very special. what are the challenges of leading such a diverse
team of chairs?
24A:
A: For me the value of EYP has always been two-fold. On
the one hand, obviously the process of active citizenship
I like to give people tools, guidance and support rather than through academic investment. On the other hand, it holds
directing them. Of course, I set some parameters for fluidity, amore emotional value. It is about the people and relation-
but after that they are completely open to portray their own ships you build; most of my close friends are from EYP to be
styles. As I give them room for freedom, they really need to honest. We have a great variety of people among the organ-
be their own boss and take initiative. Hence, I do not really isation so even if you are seeking a particular kind of person
micromanage but comfort them with my experience and to connect, you will find that person.
support.
Q:
Why do you think simulative events like this one
are important for European society? What are the
personal benefits of this role-play we call EYP?
A:
Since the topics we discuss in EYP have a more societal and
political nature, it forces delegates to talk about foreign top-
ics. This is perhaps their first encounter with active citizen-
ship and they go beyond the mere act of voting by doing
EYP. It allows alumni to get engaged in society, politics and
environment.
As opposed to usual discussions, EYPers undertake the
challenge of finding data before presenting their opinion.
Hence, the participants are encouraged to form an opinion
Q:
out of facts rather than biases. As they are forced to see mul-
tiple sides of any opinion in EYP, we motivate them to care
without prejudice. More on a personal note, what do you think about
Apart from the knowledge on how institutions, stakeholders when you are alone?
and decision makers work together; EYP also teaches skills
which are ordinarily useful such as: learning how to cooper-
ate, learning about different cultures, as well as facilitating a
group or creating media, or organising an event.
When you are alone you can get out of your head a little bit
and focus on the aspects of your life that makes you worry,
feel responsible, stress and dream. I guess you can a little bit
philosophical and feel all carpe diem.
Q: When I was a kid I used to think a lot about mortality and
try to confront myself with the phrase “you only live once”.
That leads me to seize the moment trying outlive every sec-
ond. On the other hand, you notice you should also live it
Why do you do EYP? the way you answered theoretically therefore, my stream of
consciousness gets quite paradoxical.Interview by
Aijan Muktar and Utkan
Dora Önkül
How would you describe what is it opportunities of such trends? I believe in a free market. What we need
that you do? to have is a free market with competitors
I would not call it risks - rather challeng- who would make the most promising of-
I lead a company, innogy SE, that is the es, there often are a lot of opportunities. fers to customers. This would create cre-
blueprint for the energy company of the Society needs to decarbonise and since ativity, and good competitive solutions.
future. The future energy system will COP 21 aims to do so, it means that we I believe in that solution and I think that
need to have a renewable generation. will need more generation of energy that is what is going to happen.
This generation has to be distributed to from renewable sources. We also need
customers, meaning the grid needs to be to make it happen in sectors where it cur- Innogy launched a campaign called
very intelligent to cope with the volatile rently is not, like transport, heating and “We For Europe”. Can you tell us some-
renewable generation while also com- the housing sectors. This is challenging, thing about the aims of the campaign
municating with customers. I’m leading offering competitive prices for these sec- and its relevance if many competences
a company that has experiences in all of tors, but I think it is exciting. Decentralisa- in the energy sector are still on nation-
these important areas to build up the en- tion means that solutions will need to be al or regional level?
ergy system of the future, that’s what I do. more local, that people want to have their
own energy within their environment, We see more and more that democratic
The topics of this session were written under their control. And digitalisation is a decision making is done without recog-
to address important transition trends trend to help make it all happen. nizing or being aware of all the facts and
in the energy sector - the 3Ds - Decar- advantages of the EU. I think there are
bonisation, Decentralisation and Digi- How do we convince consumers to be some things wrong with Europe which
talisation. What are the risks and the more proactive in energy production? need to be worked on, but it would be a
26Energy Talk with
Peter Terium
During the fourth day of the session, the participants of the Powershifts Academic
Forum were visited by Peter Terium, CEO of Innogy, an energy company based in
Germany. After a fishbowl discussion with the participants about the different
committee topics, Mr Terium also answered some of our own questions in a
Q&A.
pity to throw away the good things about Our project is called “Power Shifts - Re- How does your professional engage-
it: Prosperity, decades without any major flecting Europe’s Energy”. Do you feel ment with energy affect your personal
domestic conflicts, the ability to commute, an actual power shift? decisions? What do you do at home to
to learn, to work across borders – all those be more energy efficient?
advantages are fundamental for a society, II see a major shift in the industry, which
for new generations, for companies to be has happened in the last years, the fact I’m always looking for better light bulbs
able to drive their businesses. What we that very traditional companies like RWE that consume less electricity. I try to com-
would like to achieve with “We4Europe” is have been broken up is a real shift. There municate with my environment in a more
that all the facts on Europe are known. We was a shift around Fukushima, the drive digital form, turning appliances on and
initiated a dialogue and we do it through to get out of nuclear. Currently we see off like that. I also involve myself in things
the CEOs that participate in “We4Europe”. a surge to get the decarbonisation is- like societal aspects of energy and recent-
They talk to their people, creating a better sue solved. Of course, the technological ly switched to a hybrid car¬ – a small, but
relation with their own employees. I think side is also changing. The costs of solar personal contribution.
through this we can motivate them to also electricity have gone down significantly,
have this discussion with their friends or same with wind. This enables the imple-
neighbors. Thus, the democratic decision mentation of a new generation of these
making process is built not on fake argu- power sources that will not have to be
ments, not on polemics only, but on an subsidized as heavily and can thus easily
informed perspective. compete with the conventional genera-
tion.
HD_Magazine_27Korbinian Franken, 20
Sponsoring-in-kind-Or-
ga
If you could force some-
thing upon everyone in
the world, what would
it be?
„I would force everyone
to think more ecological
and sustainable. To think
more of the future and be
more aware of the prob-
lems, they are causing for
future generations.“
Millie Smith, 20, UK, Laura Teixeira, 21,
Journalist Portugal, chair of DEVE
Your house is on fire, What would you tell
which object do you take someone who is not sure
to save? yet whether to try EYP?
“I would save my original „I would tell them that
copy of George Orwell’s the best things in life
1984. It was my dad’s happen when you leave
and it is my favourite your comfort zone. I
book.” wasn’t sure either, but
3 years ago I left my
comfort zone and I have
not regretted it since.“
Humans of
Arpine Yeghiazaryan,
22, Armenia, delegate
of ITRE I
What was your favorite
part of the session so far?
„Teambuilding. We
played around and
became friends quickly.
The game I liked the most
was the coin game. It was
embarrassing, but fun.“
28Hande Taner, 20, Netherlands,
Matthew Caine, UK, delegate of ENVI
delegate of TRAN What’s something your parents
What is a wish you had taught you that you really cherish?
ever since? „A wish I had „What they taught me is faith.
since I got interested in When you are born into a reli-
politics, is that the Euro- gious family, religious education
pean Union would finally is normal. But then when you
abandon its purely ideo- grow up, you learn more about its
logical pursuits of austeri- significance. Faith in God encom-
ty economics. That’s very passes everything. Even if you’re
much something that I not religious, faith is everywhere.
think is hugely damaging Believing in people is faith.“
to the Union and has
led to so great a deal of
tension.
Siebe Geerts, 23,
Belgium, Vice-President
How do you feel right
now?
Heidelberg by Theresa Lindlahr
Alessio Pollastrini, Italy, Elina Stavridou, 19, Greece,
delegate of DEVE Journalist
Where do you see your- If you were to win 10 million in
self in 5 years? the lottery today, what would you
„In 5 years I see myself do with the money?
in an airport. Not just for „My answer is quite boring. I
fun, but for work, and I would give half of it to my sister
really enjoy it.“ and parents, invest 10% and keep
another 10% for living. And then
use the remaining 30% to travel
and see other continents like
America and Asia, maybe Africa.
Wow, that got me dreaming now.“
HD_Magazine_29IN THIS SECTION Other
31 Heidelberg‘s
Entrepreneur
Energy
32 #GiveItAThought
34 Best Dressed OC IIllustrated by Utkan Dora ÖncülHD_Magazine_31
#GiveItAThought
There’s no place where the phrase „you are the future“ is more current than at an EYP session. Young people with diverse
cultural backgrounds gather to share their most important connection that encompasses borders: the spirit of European,
if not world citizenship. They show tolerance for each other and display an open-mindedness to adversity. Youth are not
only the future, but they take charge of it and actively seek to shape it: a future that is good and sustainable for all. In
their endeavour to find solutions, they express interest, responsibility and commitment. Curious about their thoughts
regarding more personal questions the media team undertook this survey.
If you could travel by time
machine once and without
return would you choose to
Is your choice of studies or go to the past, the future
career path close to what or stay in the present?
you imagined for yourself
Do you believe there while growing up?
is a higher justice in life?
Does the threat of terro-
Do you think nation states rism influence your behavi-
will continually dissolve or in any way?
and do you consider them
Is your choice of studies or career dissolving a good or a bad
path close to what you imagined development?
for yourself while growing up?
32Do you think there should Do you feel connected to What is more important to
be a global redistribution of all ages? Do you know any you, roots or wings?
wealth? young child or elderly per-
son well who is not part of
your family?
Do you think the rags-to- Do you want to live abroad
riches career path is Do you have a certain set for some time in your life?
possible today? of media – a news chan-
nel, a newspaper or single
journalist – you trust to be
truthful?
HD_Magazine_33LUC
“We all share
Eike,18
the world, so we must “Do something
care for it; but we different.”
also share
style!”
Laura,18
“My roommate helped
me pick this out-
fit.”
Best Dressed
Sometimes it’s ok to be a little superficial, especially in EYP.
Find below the best dressed people from Thursday’s Opening
Ceremony, according to objective criteria.
34Selina,22
“I’ m just here to
tend the bar.”
Emilia,19 Matthew,19
“I needed to fit with the ses- “Dress suitably in short skirts and strong
boots, leave your jewels in the bank,
sion’s colour code.” and buy a revolver.
– Constance
Markievicz”
Opening Ceremony
by Elina Stavridou
HD_Magazine_35You can also read
