The European Capital of Culture Raises the Topic of Trust and Survival

On October 3, 2024, the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu held the conference “Trust = Survival?! - Where Does Trust Come From, Where Does It Go, and How to Survive?” Experts gathered to explore the multifaceted concept of trust, examining it from the perspectives of survival in crisis, community and collaboration, and the role of science in building public confidence.

This conference marked the culmination of the Tartu World University project, led by the Centre for Ethics of the University of Tartu as part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 programme. Since its inception in 2022, the programme has hosted 45 events, reaching 16,000 participants both online and in person.

In the first half of the conference, scientists discussed public trust in science. Agata Gurzawska, a researcher and scientific coordinator for the VERITY project, highlighted steps scientists can take to build public confidence. Philosopher and politician Margit Sutrop, along with sociologist and communication researcher Külliki Seppel, reflected on what builds trust in science and the factors that influence it. Associate Professor of Sociology of Sustainability Kati Orru and early-career researcher in crisis sociology Kristi Nero shared research on the sources of trust for vulnerable social groups during crises.

The conference replay is available on the UTTV website (in Estonian)

The conference then focused on the relationship between trust and community, featuring survival stories where trust had either waned or been restored. Lecturer in Social Well-being Merle Linno and Tartu World University project manager Triinu Laan shared insights on trust in South Estonian communities, drawing on interviews from the Tartu World University impact study. Lilian Freiberg, a member of the Karula National Park community, recounted her experience nearly a year ago when the region endured weeks without electricity. She addressed questions of trust: who it strengthened, who it diminished, and what might have been done differently.

A panel discussion with communications expert and political commentator Põim Kama centred on trust’s role in social, political, and economic relationships. Kama, one of the authors of the widely discussed open letter “The Paralympics of Southeast Estonia, or 12 Dinners,” observed that trust often becomes a focus only once it’s lost, and noted that dignity, once broken, often lies behind this loss.

Author Valdur Mikita reflected on physical labour as a bonding force within communities since time immemorial—a form of social interaction, a survival strategy, and an essential part of identity-building. He referenced past generations, who, despite life’s hardships, found ways to live without bitterness, "hands in pockets, pressing potatoes." Annela Laaneots, coordinator for the Tartu 2024 South Estonia programme, drew a parallel, sharing examples from the cultural capital project as a journey of building trust.

The day’s atmosphere was enriched by a performance of “City of Good Thoughts” by the Tartu Waldorf Theatre, directed by Külli Aavakivi. Each Tartu resident has their own story of the city, brought to life by Tartu Waldorf School students in grades 8–10. Robin Liiber, a University of Tartu political science student and social field student representative and a proud Tarvastu native, moderated the event.

Visual simplifier Kati Orav helped capture connections and insights throughout the day, illustrating collective learning, vivid emotions, and fresh ideas. She collected participants’ reflections and synthesised them into a summarising poster by day’s end.

The conference concluded with a screening of “Official Secrets” and a discussion on whistleblowing, freedom of speech, and journalistic responsibility. Halliki Harro-Loit and British journalist Martin Bright, who uncovered the story that inspired the film, shared their perspectives on these themes.

Photos of the conference by Sirli Lanemann

The Tartu World University project, part of the Tartu 2024 main programme, has hosted a series of community academy events across South Estonia, where active community members have connected with leading global researchers to exchange ideas and seek solutions to both global and local challenges. The Tartu 2024 project “South Estonia Community Programme” was a key partner in these activities.