The multi-genre festival United Islands, taking place from April 30 to May 2 on Prague’s Štvanice Island, will significantly expand its non-music programme this year. At its core will be a new stage called United Forum, bringing together topics that shape today’s society – from artificial intelligence and the future of young generations to resilience and the role of media in democracy. Among the speakers will be journalists Václav Moravec and Zdislava Pokorná, greenfluencer Rozárie Haškovcová, and lawyer and political scientist Jakub Landovský. As always, admission is free, with visitors having the option to support the festival through voluntary tickets. More information is available at www.unitedislands.cz.
“We want the festival to be not just about music, but also about the questions today’s young generation is asking. The topics we’ve chosen reflect the world we live in. We explore artificial intelligence, science, the new era of sexual health, the future of young people, and resilience as such,” says Martin Štěrba, Executive Director of United Islands.
A clash of technology and science
One of the key themes of this year’s edition is the intersection of technology and science. The programme will feature stories of people who have turned ideas into reality, alongside fascinating insights into life-saving biochemistry and discussions about how space research could shape our future.
“We want to show that science doesn’t have to remain confined to laboratories or expert debates. Thanks to young people who can communicate it clearly and with enthusiasm, it can become a natural part of public space and cultural life. That’s why we’re bringing topics to the festival that spark curiosity, inspire, and present Czech science as a vibrant and accessible part of our world,” says Martina Coufalová, Executive Director of the Žárovky Foundation.
Intergenerational questions and resilience
United Islands will also address questions that resonate across generations – Does the Czech Republic offer a future for young people? And who actually holds democracy together today? Discussions on the role of media, journalists, and influencers will explore how trust, authority, and influence are evolving in an era where information spreads faster than ever.
Resilience will be another major topic. The programme will examine how today’s society copes with pressure, uncertainty, and change, offering both personal and expert perspectives on what is challenging Generation Z today. Among the guests will be Jakub Landovský, research director at the Solvo Institute Anna Shavit, and writer and coach David Shorf. Topics related to everyday life will also be covered, including urban planning and changing approaches to health, relationships, and intimacy.
New generation of filmmakers and inspiring organisations
The festival will also highlight other areas of cultural production. “We recently entered into a partnership with the Zlín Film Festival, so the programme will include presentations by a new generation of filmmakers. Many of these films do not reach standard distribution, making festival screenings a unique opportunity to discover new talent before they break through to wider audiences,” adds Štěrba.
This year, the festival will also feature more than twenty inspiring organisations and universities, including Charles University, Hlídač státu, Prague Pride, Koridor UA, Fuck Cancer, and Česká společnost AIDS pomoc.
United Islands is traditionally divided into two parts – Thursday is dedicated to the club scene, while Friday and Saturday feature an open-air programme on Štvanice Island, followed by evening shows in clubs across Prague. The full programme is available at www.unitedislands.cz and on the festival’s social media channels. Voluntary tickets, through which visitors can support the festival, are available via GoOut.
