Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue: Enriching Future Communities

Opening Remarks

PANEL I: Faith Based Societies in the (de)Globalized World

The coronavirus crisis has brought an unexpected level of disruption to many areas of social and political life. Believers and religious communities around the globe have been separated and isolated by lockdowns, social-distancing measures, and international travel regulations. Although it is too soon to tell whether this situation will be a mere temporary nuisance, or if it brings a thorough transformation of our way of living, it has already had a significant impact on a number of daily practices of the world’s religions and their adherents. Ranging from numerous care and solidarity initiatives reacting to emergency needs to unprecedented moves like closing of places of worship or the limitation of this year’s hajj, faith-based communities have had to find innovative ways to adapt to the novel conditions or the crisis, and the limitations imposed on the public sphere. This panel seeks to assess the roles and responses of diverse faith groups in the context of the current crisis. What are some of the examples of best practice? How can we learn from them and how can they help to enrich our future communities?

CONCERT - Civilizations Choir of Antakya

Presentation by H.E. Egemen Baǧiş, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to the Czech Republic

PANEL II: The Relevance of Religion in Diplomacy Today

Intercultural and interfaith dialogues have become integral parts of political and diplomatic efforts as they offer ideas and practical tools to enhance understanding among nations and diverse communities. There is no doubt that they require sustained attention, professional support, and continuous advancement at both national and international levels. Its value has been acknowledged by most of national governments, religious authorities, and international organization, and most importantly by respective civil societies and exposed individuals. This conference panel aspires to highlight particular worldwide experience and lessons learned so far and to feed into these efforts by bringing together dedicated personalities focusing on the following topics and questions. What is the understanding, acceptance, and personal experience – in general terms relevance - of religion among diplomats today? What kind of change or adjustment can we observe in this respect due to the current pandemic? What role might religious authorities and institutions have in the up-coming socio-economic crisis? Are we able to identify particular opportunities to share our expertise gained after years of working to help diplomats and foreign affairs professionals better understand the relevance of religions and cultural diversity?

PANEL III: Multilateral Youth Networks and Future Communities

Civil society networks and organizations are an integral part of the global dialogue among cultures. Their capacity to assist the marginalized and vulnerable reflects the core values of our society – such as mutual respect, social inclusion, justice, and equity. Community work and initiatives bring people together and organize them to resist and overcome difficult situations, such as the one we are facing now with the ongoing pandemic. Covid-19 has had a major global impact, and several negative implications on deepening inequalities, protectionism, and in parts of the world even contributed to the rise of xenophobia, racism, and distrust. Among the crucial challenges and questions we face today belong a transition towards better connectivity, including connection and exchange between world cultures. Can the situation we are experiencing over the last couple of months help create a new kind of solidarity? An in-depth and broad reflection within an inter-connected world as well as sincere efforts to foster open dialogue channels, seem essential. Similar is the role of civil society in the frontline when advocating incremental policy change and progress while engaging with governments and institutions to identify and protect those who need it the most. What kind of support - or more free space - does civil society requires, or deserves, to deliver its best?

Closing Remarks