European Talks podcast

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

European Talks

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European Talks podcast is a short form conversation that aims to untangle difficult questions on various topics related to Serbia’s relations with the EU and its member states, by talking to experts, diplomats, and other relevant actors. Whether you are a researcher, a politician, or just genuinely curious about the topic, European Talks podcast will provide you with valuable ideas, answers as well as new questions. The producer is European Policy Centre - CEP, non-governmental, non-profit, independent think tank based in Belgrade.

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European Talks

updated 13 дней назад

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83 эпизодов

#News #European Talks

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European Talks

1
Srbija na raskršću - kuda dalje: Dijalog o studentskim protestima 36:39

13 дней назад36:39

36:39

Od 1. novembra 2024. godine, Srbija se suočava sa ozbiljnim previranjima: pad nadstrešnice u kojoj je stradalo 15 ljudi i koja je razotkrila sistemsku neodgovornost, pokrenula je lavinu građanskog nezadovoljstva. Širom zemlje, studenti su se istakli kao pokretači i predvodnici, organizujući proteste, blokade fakulteta i masovne proteste, i u građaninima probudili davno uspavanu nadu. U ovoj podkast epizodi, petoj epizodi u našem "REACHing Citizens" podkastu, sa učesnikom naših lokalnih građanskih konsultacija u Beogradu, Nemanjom Stankovićem, analiziramo kako je ta "vatra" otpora pokrenuta, šta je sve ona osvetlila i kako su studenti uspeli da nas svojim pametnim potezima i energijom iznenade i podsete na ono što kao da smo svi zaboravili - da postoje nadležne institucije i da su te institucije dužne da rade svoj posao. Taj njihov zahtev je na kraju, nakon niza događaja koji je pokrenuo, doveo i do pada Vlade. U trenucima velikih promena, svakodnevnih protesta koji neretko okupe više od 100 000 građana i društvene transformacije u Srbiji, sa našim gostom pričali smo i o budućnosti koja nas očekuje, temi zaštite životne sredine i problemom zagađenja vazduha i iskopavanju litijuma, kao i o evropskom putu Srbije i odnosu evropskih institucija prema institucijama u Srbiji, kao i prema građanima.…

European Talks

1
Justice, environment & EU integration – What matters most to Kosovo’s youth? 18:27

23 дня назад18:27

18:27

Welcome to the fourth episode of "REACHing Citizens", part of the European project REACH – Reinventing Engagement through Affirmative Citizen Consultations, which aims to strengthen citizen participation in shaping policies related to the environment, EU integration, and the rule of law. This initiative is funded by the European Commission under the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV) program. In this episode, host Vesa Kroqi, sits down with Agnesa Bytyci, a young researcher and activist from Pristina who participated in the recent REACH local consultation event in Kosovo. Together, they discuss key topics covered at the event, including judicial independence, corruption, EU integration, and environmental challenges in the region. Agnesa shares her insights on how young people in Kosovo perceive the justice system and the country’s European path, as well as their growing awareness of environmental issues. The conversation also explores the impact of such events in encouraging civic engagement and creating a platform for open dialogue among youth. How can young people shape Kosovo’s future? What concerns them the most about the rule of law? And how can digital platforms help improve collaboration and knowledge-sharing? Tune in to find out!…

European Talks

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Od pada nadstrešnice do pada Vlade: Studentski pokret u fokusu 1:17:13

27 дней назад1:17:13

1:17:13

Od 1. novembra 2024. godine, Srbija se suočava sa ozbiljnim previranjima: pad nadstrešnice u kojoj je stradalo 15 ljudi i koja je razotkrila sistemsku neodgovornost, pokrenula je lavinu građanskog nezadovoljstva. Širom zemlje, studenti su se istakli kao pokretači i predvodnici, organizujući proteste, blokade fakulteta i masovne proteste, i u građaninima probudili davno uspavanu nadu. U ovoj podkast epizodi, trećoj epizodi u našem "REACHing Citizens" podkastu, sa učesnikom naših lokalnih građanskih konsultacija u Beogradu, Milošem Timotijevićem, analiziramo kako je ta "vatra" otpora pokrenuta, šta je sve ona osvetlila i kako su studenti uspeli da nas svojim pametnim potezima i energijom iznenade i podsete na ono što kao da smo svi zaboravili - da postoje nadležne institucije i da su te institucije dužne da rade svoj posao. Taj njihov zahtev je na kraju, nakon niza događaja koji je pokrenuo, doveo i do pada Vlade. U trenucima velikih promena, svakodnevnih protesta koji neretko okupe više od 100 000 građana i društvene transformacije u Srbiji, sa našim gostom pričali smo i o budućnosti koja nas očekuje, temi zaštite životne sredine i problemom zagađenja vazduha i iskopavanju litijuma, kao i o evropskom putu Srbije i odnosu evropskih institucija prema institucijama u Srbiji, kao i prema građanima.…

European Talks

1
Fear, identity and the future: Young voices from Greece 19:13

5 weeks назад19:13

19:13

Welcome to the second episode of our podcast series, "REACHing Citizens" part of the "Reshaping Engagement through Affirmative Citizen Consultations (REACH) project". Launched in 2024, this initiative is funded by the European Commission’s SAV 2023 program and brings together organizations from across Europe to explore pressing social and political issues. Interviewer: Ioanna (Host) & Nikos (Co-host) Citizens: Emilia, Actress based in Athens, and Omar, Student in France, both of Greek-French nationality and participants in the citizen consultation in Athens In this episode, we take you to Greece, where we hear from Emilia and Homere, two young participants in a recent citizen consultation. Coming from both French and Greek backgrounds, they share their insights on topics such as climate change, EU enlargement, and the rule of law, reflecting on generational and cultural perspectives. They discuss how environmental awareness differs between Greece and France, how young people engage with climate activism, and how freedom of expression in the arts is shaped by political and social realities. Emilia and Homere highlighted that climate change was the most engaging topic for them. They reflected on the differences in environmental education and awareness between Greece and France, noting that Greek youth often lack access to the same level of information and sustainable lifestyle opportunities as their French counterparts. They pointed out that while young people in Greece want to adopt eco-friendly habits, systemic barriers such as poor city infrastructure and social stigmas around sustainability make it difficult. Regarding EU enlargement, both participants were surprised by the fear-driven responses from other attendees. They shared their experiences of hearing concerns about security, economic instability, and the role of military power in the EU. As individuals with dual national identities, they also reflected on the power dynamics within the EU and how different member states perceive integration. On the topic of freedom of expression, Emilia and Homere discussed their experiences as young artists in France and Greece. They noted that while theoretically free speech is protected, they often self-censor due to social and political pressures. They also acknowledged the privilege of artistic expression, emphasizing that some voices are more easily heard than others in both countries. In conclusion, Emilia and Homere emphasized the need for open dialogue and education on these critical topics. They encouraged young people to engage in discussions and consultations, challenge dominant narratives, and advocate for meaningful change.…

European Talks

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Disinformation, corruption and hope: Youth perpectives in Bulgaria 20:40

10 weeks назад20:40

20:40

Welcome to our new podcast series, "REACHing Citizens," part of the "Reshaping Engagement through Affirmative Citizen Consultations (REACH)" project. Launched in 2024, this initiative is funded by the European Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) and brings together organisations from across Europe, including Serbia, Belgium, Kosovo, BiH, Bulgaria, France, Croatia, and Greece. In this first episode, we take you to Bulgaria, where we hear from Giulia-Maria Alberghi, a university student and participant in one of the citizen consultations in Plovdiv. She shares her insights on the challenges of democratic engagement in Bulgaria, focusing on the rule of law, media independence, and the role of critical thinking in the fight against disinformation. Join us as she talks about important topics and explore how civic participation can pave the way for positive change in Bulgaria. Interviewer: Daniela Mineva, Senior Analyst, Center for the Study of Democracy, Bulgaria Citizen: Giulia - Maria Alberghi, University Student of Philosophy, Politicacs and Society, University of Radboud, the Netherlands (nationality: Bulgarian), participant in the citisen consultation in the city of Plovdiv Giulia-Maria Alberghi emphasized that, in her view, the rule of law is the most critical of the three discussed topics. She highlighted Bulgaria's ongoing struggle to elect a stable government, with no resolution even after seven consecutive elections. Voter participation continues to decline, reflecting a broader erosion of trust in democratic institutions. Citizens increasingly distrust the media and question the independence of the Bulgarian judiciary. Giulia noted that while numerous legal and institutional reforms have been implemented under pressure from the European Union, these changes have failed to produce tangible benefits for ordinary people due to pervasive corruption. She referenced the widespread protests in Bulgaria during 2020-2021, pointing out that the grievances that fueled these demonstrations remain unresolved today. Another significant issue raised by Giulia was the lack of investigative journalism in Bulgaria. She explained that mainstream media often avoid publishing investigative reports, largely because of ownership ties to authoritarian or corrupt individuals. While social media provides an alternative platform for journalists, she shared instances where journalists using platforms like YouTube have faced threats. Additionally, both journalists and the public encounter challenges in accessing public data. Giulia also addressed the pervasive lack of critical thinking among the population, noting that people of all ages are susceptible to disinformation and propaganda. This contributes to widespread misunderstandings on topics like the Green Deal and the Euro. The absence of official fact-checking mechanisms on social media further exacerbates the problem. Despite these challenges, Giulia highlighted a positive aspect: many people are eager to discuss political issues. She urged civil society organizations (CSOs) to harness this interest by fostering dialogue and engagement. Platforms like Discord, for instance, host numerous groups dedicated to political discussions. In conclusion, Giulia-Maria Alberghi called for greater efforts to promote citizen discussions and consultations, education, and awareness-raising to address these pressing issues effectively.…

European Talks

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Sustainable Development Meets EU Accession: Insights from French Development Agency (AFD) 34:56

10 weeks назад34:56

34:56

In the 79th episode of European Talks, Milena Mihajlović Denić, European Policy Centre - CEP Programme Director, sat down with Rémy Rioux, the Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD). The conversation brings together key insights on the Western Balkans' opportunities and challenges as it strives for a prosperous, sustainable future. The episode starts by discussing the economic trajectory of the Western Balkans, examining the region’s growth slowdown and the roadblocks impeding its full convergence with the European Union. Insights are shared on the importance of accelerating reforms to ensure the region's economic trajectory remains on track and aligns with EU standards. The second segment dives into the need for stronger governance, innovation, and regional cooperation as essential drivers for the Western Balkans’ long-term success. The conversation highlights how technology, digital transformation, and fostering innovation can be key enablers of growth, paving the way for the region’s integration into the broader European economy. The final part of the episode explores how strengthening local institutions, promoting inclusive development, and fostering strategic partnerships can empower the Western Balkans. With a focus on collaboration between governments, civil society, and international actors, the discussion underscores the importance of building strong, sustainable relationships for lasting growth and prosperity. For more information about AFD, visit: www.afd.fr For more information about CEP, visit: www.cep.org.rs…

European Talks

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Democracy Under Pressure: Insights from Freedom House’s Nations in Transit and EC Enlargement Package in the Western Balkans 1:06:44

16 weeks назад1:06:44

1:06:44

In this episode of the European Talks, CEP's host Miloš Pavković sits down with Alexandra Karppi, a Policy Analyst at Freedom House and co-author of the latest Nations in Transit report and Nikola Burazer, Program Director of the Centre for Contemporary Politics and the author of the Nations in Transit report for Serbia. Together, they explore the pressing challenges facing democracy globally, with a particular focus on the democratic backsliding evident in Central Europe, Central Asia, and the Western Balkans. Burazer emphasises key democratic challenges in Serbia and analyses the latest Enlargement Package of the EU. Karppi shares insights from the 2023 Nations in Transit report, highlighting a concerning two-decade-long trend of democratic decline. The conversation delves into how authoritarian regimes have grown more entrenched, impacting democratic institutions worldwide and intensifying geopolitical tensions. Karppi discusses the unique regional dynamics observed in the Western Balkans, where issues like weakening independent media, compromised judicial systems, and rampant corruption have led to stagnant or regressive democratic outcomes. This thought-provoking dialogue also addresses the nuanced classification of “hybrid regimes” in the Balkans and how countries like Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia face distinct obstacles that hinder their democratic progression. Pavković and Karppi reflect on the role of international bodies like the European Union and the Council of Europe in addressing these challenges. With a recent EU report grading Montenegro as the region’s top-performing democracy, they discuss whether external evaluations and support can spur meaningful reforms. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of the regional and global challenges to democracy and why supporting civil society, independent journalism, and the rule of law remains essential to reversing these trends. Whether you’re a policymaker, activist, or simply concerned about the state of global democracy, this episode offers invaluable insights into the democratic resilience needed for the years ahead.…

European Talks

1
Transparency in action: How North Macedonia's Ministry of Labor and Social Policy measures up 22:54

16 weeks назад22:54

22:54

In this episode of WeBER Talks, Miloš Đinđić sits down with Dimitar Vrglevski from North Macedonia’s Center for Change Management to discuss the public administration reform in North Macedonia. They talk about the sectoral monitoring process, which evaluates the application of the EU Sigma principles within specific institutions. Dimitar shares his findings from his latest report on the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth in North Macedonia, which provides a data-backed perspective on the challenges of increasing transparency and accountability in the region's public administration. This conversation sheds light on the complex landscape of reform efforts and the role of research in assessing public sector performance in North Macedonia and across the Western Balkans. For more information about Dimitar's institution, the Center for Change Management, please visit: www.cup.org.mk His report, as well as the others reports, will soon be published on www.par-monitor.org…

European Talks

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Democracy Under Review: North Macedonia and the EU’s 2024 Enlargement Package 23:44

17 weeks назад23:44

23:44

In this episode of European Talks by the European Policy Centre, host Miloš Pavković sits down with Stefan Ristovski, a researcher with expertise in regional cooperation, economic reform, and the EU integration of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. The discussion centres on the European Commission’s latest enlargement package, providing a thorough analysis of the democratic landscape, regional reforms, and the future of EU accession for the Western Balkans. Ristovski offers a critical look at the European Commission’s evolving approach in its 2024 reports, highlighting both the package’s more direct language and its selective focus on certain countries. While Moldova and Montenegro receive positive feedback for electoral reforms, North Macedonia faces concerns about political polarisation and challenges in democratic institution-building. Ristovski reflects on the current political climate in North Macedonia, which has been marked by a recent government change and stalled accession talks due to unresolved issues with Bulgaria, leading to delayed EU negotiations. The conversation also dives into the regional assessment variances between EU, Freedom House, and V-Dem reports, noting the Commission’s new “mostly satisfactory” assessment for North Macedonia, compared to Freedom House’s classification as a hybrid regime. Ristovski discusses the need for standardised reporting on civil oversight in intelligence sectors and questions the transparency of the Commission’s evaluative framework. Looking to the future, Pavkovic and Ristovski explore the potential pathways and challenges for North Macedonia’s EU membership, especially in light of the EU's 2030 enlargement target, where Montenegro currently leads. Although optimistic, Ristovski š the importance of North Macedonia’s commitment to democratic reform, even if the 2030 goal is ambitious. This episode is supported by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Policy Center, and other regional partners, aiming to foster insightful dialogue on the pressing issues shaping the future of EU integration in the Western Balkans.…

European Talks

1
Bridging the Gap: Convergence strategies for Western Balkans' EU future 28:03

25 weeks назад28:03

28:03

This episode of WeBER Talks is dedicated to economic growth challenges and opportunities for the Western Balkans. WeBER 3.0 guest is Nicola Pontara, Country Manager of the World Bank in Serbia. He talked with Milena Mihajlović, CEP Programme Director and WeBER 3.0, about the region's future and how reforms, governance, and technology can propel the Western Balkans toward convergence with the EU. 1. Growth Slowdown & Socioeconomic Divergence: While the Western Balkans experienced solid growth in the early 2000s, the region has struggled to maintain momentum post-2008. Nicola highlights the "golden period" between 2000 and 2008 but warns that without significant reforms, convergence with the EU could stretch as far as 2093 in a pessimistic scenario. 2. Governance Deficit: Poor governance remains a significant roadblock. Nicola emphasizes that countries in the region must focus on improving the rule of law, combating corruption, and increasing government accountability to accelerate growth and reduce the trust gap with their citizens. 3. The Role of State-Owned Enterprises: The discussion provides a key insight into the incomplete transition to market economies in the region. Many state-owned enterprises (SOEs) still dominate critical sectors like energy, limiting the private sector's potential to drive growth. Privatization and the introduction of market competition are seen as crucial steps forward. 4. Digital Transition & Innovation as Key Catalysts: Excitingly, digital transformation can help bridge the institutional and governance gaps. Serbia has become a leader in digital innovation, spearheading initiatives in AI, biotech, and IT services. The region can leverage this momentum to modernize public services, increase transparency, and reduce bureaucracy. 5. Youth, Women & Brain Drain: Nicola calls for urgent reforms to integrate young people and women into the workforce. Improving educational curricula and fostering labour market flexibility will prevent further brain drain and ensure that economic benefits are more inclusive. Looking forward, both experts agree that focusing on second-generation reforms is vital: deepening financial markets, boosting regional trade and connectivity, investing in human capital, and addressing the urgent need for green transition and sustainable development. While challenges persist, especially in governance and institutional reforms, there is hope that with the right policies and an embrace of digital transformation, the region can achieve sustained growth and converge with the EU in the coming decades. Find out more - www.par-monitor.org…

European Talks

1
Reimagining Public Services: A Design Thinking Approach 49:42

37 weeks назад49:42

49:42

This episode explores how design thinking could transform public administration. Come hear from our trainers, Nikola Rajić and Deniz Hoti, as they discuss their observations from a recent two-day design thinking training session with WeBER grantees. Understand design thinking's fundamental concepts, how it may be applied to public services, and how it allows civil society organisations in the Western Balkans to contribute to better governance. This episode is full of insightful lessons, motivational stories, and useful suggestions for anyone looking to modernise public administration using a human-centred methodology. Listen in to learn how design thinking can improve and reinvent public services! More about WeBER: www.par-monitor.org…

European Talks

1
Pursuing More Deliberative Democracy and Citizen Participation: Where and How to Begin? 26:59

1 year назад26:59

26:59

In this 11th episode of WeBER2.0 podcast, a special edition of European Talks focusing on the EU integration of the Western Balkans, host Miloš Đinđić, Programme Manager of the European Policy Centre, Belgrade, and WeBER Lead Researcher, welcomes a distinguished guest, Professor Kalypso Nicolaïdis. Professor Nicolaïdis is the Chair of Global Affairs at the EUI School of Transnational Governance in Florence, and her contributions to the field of International Relations and European integration are remarkable. During this engaging conversation, Professor Nicolaïdis shares her extensive insights into various aspects of European integration, global affairs, and democratic theory. With her wealth of knowledge in these domains, she explores the relevance of citizens' consultations and the role they play in WeBER's initiatives. The Democratic Odyssey, a groundbreaking project, serves as a blueprint for our discussion, offering valuable insights into the future of citizen engagement in the Western Balkans. Join us in this enlightening conversation as we delve into the exciting realm of democratic participation and its potential to shape the future of the Western Balkan region. We are delighted to have Professor Nicolaïdis on board for this inspiring episode. Visit her website for more information: www.kalypsonicolaidis.com *** www.par-monitor.org…

European Talks

1
From Opinions to Impact: Experience in Implementing Deliberative polling in North Macedonia 30:41

1 year назад30:41

30:41

In the tenth episode of WeBER Talks, we welcome Ms. Simonida Kacarska, Director of the European Policy Institute (EPI) in Skopje, a member of the Think for Europe Network and WeBER partner from North Macedonia. With her extensive background in Politics and International Studies, Ms. Kacarska provided unique insights into the world of deliberative polling (DP) and its relevance in our region. Delving into her experience, we explore the inception and implementation of DP, uncovering valuable lessons and takeaways. Simonida highlights the vital resources necessary for successful DP endeavours, discussing the human, financial, and time-related aspects. She also sheds light on the key challenges that Western Balkan CSOs, think tanks and research organizations might encounter when embarking on their own DP journeys. Discover how DP can lead to informed public opinion and affect advocacy in the region, ultimately influencing decision-makers. To learn more about the work of EPI, please visit: www.epi.org.mk. *** www.par-monitor.org…

European Talks

1
Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije: Jelena Stefanović 13:50

2 years назад13:50

13:50

U novoj epizodi ovog serijala, naša gošća je bila Jelena Stefanović, turistički vodič, avanturistička travel blogerka i influenserka. S diplomama iz marketinga i turizma, ona je pravi spoj kreativnosti i ljubavi prema putovanjima. Kako je Jelena završila u Veneciji? Šta je doživela tamo i kako je to oblikovalo njenu viziju budućnosti? Sa njom razgovaramo o iskustvu života u drugoj zemlji, kao i tome gde vidi svoju budućnost, budući da je njena karijera sve samo ne obična - i kako je to imati posao koji nije "od 9 do 5" i koji je ne vezuje za jedno konkretno mesto. Pored toga, Jelena mladim ljudima koji razmišljaju o studijama ili poslu van matične zemlje daje savete koji će im sigurno pomoći da donesu odluke koje će oblikovati njihovu budućnost. U serijalu „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” razgovaramo sa cirkularnim migrantima različitih obrazovnih kategorija i profila i fokusiramo na pronalaženje načina za povećanje broja cirkularnih migranata u cilju prevencije depopulacije. Serijal pruža zanimljiv uvid u iskustva mladih ljudi iz Srbije koji trenutno žive ili su živeli u inostranstvu u prethodnim godinama, kao i u različite perspektive o migraciji i njenom uticaju na društvo. Projekat „Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije!” sprovode Fondacija za razvoj ekonomske nauke – FREN i Centar za evropske politike – CEP. Projekat se realizuje uz finansijsku pomoć Evropske unije.…

European Talks

1
Cirkularne migracije pre depopulacije: Vladan Čokić 22:02

2 years назад22:02