Conference with Alain JUPPÉ, former Prime Minister and member of the Constitutional Council.

The former Minister of Education and President of the Laboratoire de la République,
Jean-Michel Blanquer.
– Lenzo Di Placido, Jean-Michel Blanquer, Cléa BOUSSERT –
On Wednesday May 7, 2025, HEIP Lyon vibrated to the rhythm of an exceptional event: a major round table organized by our students, in partnership with the Lyon branch of the Laboratoire de la République, around a theme as noble as it is essential – Fraternity.
More than just a word in our national motto, fraternity is a lever for unity, solidarity and living together. Yet it is often relegated to second place behind its sisters, liberty and equality. This meeting was an opportunity to put this value back at the heart of the republican debate.
A panel of high-level speakers, for a multi-faceted discussion
Chaired by Jean-Michel Blanquer, former Minister of National Education and President of Laboratoire de la République, the roundtable brought together committed and complementary voices:
- Philippe Albanel, founder of Chez Daddy, an innovative structure that reinvents care and support for vulnerable groups.
- Olivier Dugrip, former rector of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes academic region, a privileged witness to educational dynamics in the field.
- Cathy Simon, Vice-President of the Conseil Départemental de l’Isère and Director of the Centaure network, which promotes concrete initiatives in favor of social cohesion.
🎯 Together, they explored the many facets of fraternity: its expression in public policy, its role in education, its importance in local development, and its ability to unite within an increasingly diverse society.
A rich exchange between students and speakers
In an atmosphere that was both studious and dynamic, the students took full part in the debate. Profound questions were raised:
- How can we teach fraternity from an early age?
- In what way does this value act as a social cement in the face of today’s fractures?
- How can we combine fraternity and cultural diversity?
- What concrete steps can we take to build a more fraternal Republic?
Each response, each testimonial, each idea shared, provided food for collective thought, rooted in reality but looking to the future. The debate was illustrated by tangible examples, inspiring initiatives, and personal commitments that give faith in a humane and united Republic.
A meaningful partnership between HEIP and Le Laboratoire de la République
This round table, initiated by HEIP student Lenzo Di Placido, marks the first milestone in an ambitious and lasting partnership between our school and the Laboratoire de la République. The aim is to bring republican values to life at the heart of our campuses, where tomorrow’s citizens and decision-makers are being built.
Other events are coming up in the next few months on our various campuses:
📚 Enlightened conversations with renowned authors
🗣️ Conferences with public figures
🗳️ Open debates on major social issues
HEIP thus reaffirms its commitment to a civic-minded education, in which critical thinking, open-mindedness and the debate of ideas take center stage.
Thanks and replay
The HEIP Lyon team would like to express its sincere thanks to the speakers, the student organizers and all the participants for having contributed to making this meeting a high point for reflection and commitment.
Did you miss the event?
Watch the full replay of the round table