Speaker
Description
What do the EURO banknotes and the GÉANT community have in common? This will be the subject of this talk. Taking the audience on a short "tour of time," I wish to showcase the importance of access (windows and doorways) and connectivity (bridges) through time (transformation) as a means to Unite in Diversity.
Used in 20 Member States, and being the world's second reserve currency; the EURO is one of the clearest tangible results of the European Union, and a true example of European compromise. Still, albeit changing hands each day few observe it in detail. Banknotes depict windows and doorways on one side to symbolise openness and cooperation and bridges on the other to symbolise communication between the people of Europe and the rest of the world. As it features seven architectural eras but no concrete structures, the banknotes reflect on the transformation of Europe's cultural, universal heritage, accumulated into the motto of the European Union, 'United in Diversity'.
Similarly, the GÉANT and the NREN networks are used every day. They open windows and build bridges seamlessly over time, facilitating the digital transformation of the Research and Education sector. As the fiat currency, the GÉANT community is also built on trust.
