« Altruism is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is also the most pragmatic way to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Altruism is indeed not only the noblest state of mind of the human being, but the only concept which reconciles the requirements of the short term, the medium term and the long term, to move towards a united economy, the well-being of citizens and a much greater consideration for the fate of future generations and that of the eight million species with whom we share the biosphere ». Matthieu Ricard

On the occasion of Karuna-Shechen’s 20th anniversary, Matthieu Ricard will be with his friends: Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Ilios Kotsou and Xavier Emmanuelli – also speakers – in the GoodPlanet Foundation’s clearing in order to meditate, but also to talk about the multiple aspects of altruism in action.

To lift disadvantaged communities out of poverty, Karuna-Shechen has been carrying out programs since 2000 in the areas of education, health, community building and women’s empowerment in Asia. With Karuna-Shechen’s 20 years comes a revival. Indeed, the association has just opened a new clinic in India in the state of Jharkhand which will welcome 20,000 patients per year.

This event will also be an opportunity for visitors to discover, in the Foundation’s gardens, the exhibition Emerveillement, a photographic ode to the beauty of Nature, composed by Matthieu Ricard. 60 large format photos presented outdoors, with an eco-responsible scenography.

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Program

• 3 pm – 3:30 pm : Opening speech by Yann Arthus Bertrand followed by a presentation by Karuna-Shechen.
• 3.30 pm – 4.15 pm : Interview with Xavier Emmanuelli and Matthieu.
• 4:15 pm – 4:45 pm : Questions / Answers with the audience.
• 4:45 pm – 5:30 pm : Interview with Ilios Kotsou and Matthieu.
• 5.30 pm – 6 pm: Questions / Answers with the public.

The event will be transcribed on our Facebook page and our social networks. Do not hesitate to follow us.