Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue: Freedom of Religion or Belief to Build Peace and Counter Islamophobia and Radical Ideologies
In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic we would like to cordially invite you to our annual conference on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue.
14. 11. 2024 (8:30)
Czernin Palace, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Loretánské náměstí 5
We would like to cordially invite you to our annual conference, the Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue. Our distinguished speakers will discuss how freedom of religion or belief can build peace and counter Islamophobia and radical ideologies.
The goal of intercultural and interfaith dialogue is to open channels of discussion in order to raise a greater awareness of the diversity, mutual recognition, equity, and freedom of all human beings. We want to build bridges to allow for peaceful coexistence and fraternity in a time of crisis and conflict.
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, large-scale conflicts have destabilized regions globally, including Europe and the Middle East. In this context, radical ideologies are gaining ground, feeding discrimination and hostility. Recent events highlight the need for intercultural and interfaith dialogue to foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect. Such dialogue also provides a platform to discuss discrimination and explore strategies to ensure fairness, equity, and the reduction of prejudice.
The expert community, policymakers, diplomats, and civil society can contribute to building peace and countering radical ideologies and Islamophobia by presenting inclusive policies and practices which successfully prevent radicalization, developing education and engaging communities as a way to bring about solidarity and support Religious actors and religious organizations have an important role to play in such a dialogue. In the long run, freedom of religion or belief benefits every human being, regardless of whether they have a religious affiliation or not. Conversely, the more a society is open and respectful of its own diversity,the stronger and richer it becomes thanks to the various inputs of its individuals. It is in the common interest of everyone to reduce prejudice, counter hate speech, and build peace and harmony within and among societies.
Goals of the conference:
- To discuss freedom of religion or belief as a way to overcome radical ideologies and foster an environment of tolerance and respect.
- To address anti-Muslim prejudice and discrimination and examine the strategies to reduce and end it.
- To emphasize the strengths of intercultural and interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and reconciliation.
To join the conference online, please access the live stream here.
Day 1 14/11/2024
Registration
Welcome
Invocation
Opening Remarks
Panel: How Can FoRB Help Overcome Radical Ideologies
This panel explores the important role of FoRB in countering radical ideologies, discussing how protecting and promoting religious freedom fosters an environment of tolerance and respect, which is essential for mitigating radical views. Presenting inclusive policies and practices will show how radicalisation can be prevented by ensuring freedom of speech for all religious affiliations.
Coffee Break
Panel: How to Approach the Current anti-Muslim Hatred / Islamophobia in the World
The focus of this panel is on understanding and addressing the rise of anti-Muslim hatred / Islamophobia in various parts of the world. It will examine the roots of this hatred, such as sociopolitical factors and media influence. Importantly, strategies for how to approach this hatred, engage communities and educate will be discussed. The aim of this panel is to bring solidarity and support and reduce prejudice and discrimination against Muslim communities.
Lunch
Panel: How Can Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue Help to Restore Peace
This panel will introduce the strengths of intercultural and interfaith dialogue in promoting peace and reconciliation. Open and respectful communication between different cultural and religious groups is vital for building a mutual understanding and healing conflicts. The aim of this panel is to encourage such a dialogue, as empathy and shared values can help create a harmonious society.
Closing Remarks
City Tour
Meeting point: in front of the Czernin Palace
Organizer
Co-organizers
This conference is organised by the Institute of International Relations Prague and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the IRF Secretariat, the Templeton Religion Trust, the Anna Lindh Foundation, and the Love Your Neighbor Community.
