Inspire – engage – connect”, this is what the 6th edition of the European Policy Dialogue Forum represented. Creating social cohesion through the powerful interreligious and intercultural dialogue will foster a value-oriented society for a sustainable future. The multifaceted concept of social cohesion is built on: an ethical foundation, human rights, community and value-oriented investments. KAICIID International Dialogue Centre shapes the social welfare through bridging the gap between stakeholders, empowering communities and developing a moral system for a more resilient society.
During four beautiful days, Geneva, the city of multicultural collaboration and peace building, became the host for the Forum. The best venue for such an event to take place was the International Federation of Red Cross, showcasing a splendid view of the Swiss Alps while underlining the true power of humanitarian aid, being the biggest international organization in this field. The participants, 100 people from all over Europe and abroad, a third being youth before the age of 30, shared ideas on how to build a more reliant society through values and faith. I have to admit, here I have encountered an amazing level of expertise, passion and dedication for wonderful social causes. I was not expecting to find such kind and open-minded people devoted to building a fair and sustainable future for all. Encountering all of the participants, professionals in social activism, professors, faith leaders and political figures was a blissful surprise which brought tremendous hope to me.
The forum had a really engaging structure, combining four panels with experts from various fields with other four non-formal education experiences and beautiful opening and closing ceremonies. The variety of experiences brought to life an experiential learning for the participants, as well as an authentic connection opportunity. I will further highlight what each of the sessions discussed and some key takeaways from these experiences.
Living libraries of social equity was the opening scene for the Forum. Five inspiring change-makers presented their life stories and ways in which they brought meaningful transformation in their communities. Some of the speakers later became my friends after participating to the entire forum. I was inspired by how overcoming the discrimination of being from a minority group empowered the speakers to be community leaders and advocate by example for fairer opportunities and social development. I encountered how young politicians and multicultural informal groups bring their local communities to life. I was happy to see how people live by the example of equity and not by the mere hardships they had to endure. It was a real-life encounter of resilience and a discovery of unity in diversity.
Moral foundations resemble the key aspects of social collaboration in a multicultural environment. The Forum engaged the participants and the speakers in finding the core social values, as well as principles for promoting a green and resilient future through the power of dialogue while remaining true to the original faith one embodies. The catalyst of social cohesion is advocating for the true human rights values in order to form real-life cooperation between different groups of people. That panel proved to me that values are what unite people with different worldviews since the continuity of fundamental principles can bring profound development in our society.
Human rights and social cohesion was the general theme of the Forum. However, tackling issues of socio-economic disparities, especially in disadvantaged groups, was the central idea of the second panel. Usually, in the case of economic problems, the world will propose solutions related to money as well, not in this case however. The first step for overcoming this drawback is turning the discussion back to true, compassionate values. In the end, the problem encountered is not merely about finance as much as it is about the lack of social values. So there has been a clear need for compassion-oriented values.
Breakout group on climate resilience and adaptation was an interactive experience for fostering the best ideas related to climate action programmes which are intertwined with interfaith work. Many participants are professionals in the field of climate change and cultural inclusion and they shared amazing initiatives for combining culture and climate. Some examples that I remember were related to overcoming food waste, sustainable solutions and planting trees. Luckily, GEYC has an entire green portfolio and being part of the European Fellowship on Sustainable Development I could share my experience as an ambassador. ”Thirsty for Solutions” is an advocacy programme for free access for potable water in public spaces which engages young people in the local decision-making process. Empowering youth to be active in their community and to advocate for causes that affect vulnerable groups the most is the core theme of the campaign and I could see how beautifully it tied together with the proposed topic of the working group.
Marketplace of ideas was the ending activity of the second day. The context for nonformal education was set. The venue received an open format where all of the participants could walk around and explore amazing initiatives of activists, professors and community leaders from all over the world. Each person with an initiative to present was either part of the solution’s group of social innovation, or the impact investor’s group. The inspiration behind this activity comes from the concept of social and solidarity economy which embodies progress not only for profit, but also for social development. I had a fascinating discussion with an AI ethicist regarding the need for investments in the field of ethics and technological advancements. The technological and industrial progress the Western society has seized has left a big gap in policy for social safety and also for a healthy psychological development. The transformation encountered by the workforce has brought forward tremendous issues that might jeopardize the socio-economic harmony and safety. So this innovative solution of AI ethics that brings to the forefront a value-driven policy recommendation for technology developers and governments was a profound collaboration between social and economic progress in one initiative. Truly, this part of the Forum brought together some amazing initiatives and real-life working models for successful businesses that also lay the groundwork for social development.
There have been two more panels which rounded up the subjects of the Forum: ethical investments and empowering communities. Through these matters, I discovered how the world could be designed in a more equitable manner through an inclusive economic system that also supports a sustainable environment. Many of the speakers proposed models for socio-economic development which put climate and values at the forefront. This idea of the ”compassion or heart revolution” was a touching metaphor for the power which inclusion, equality and equity hold. There is much more strength in beauty though the serenity and harmony which it can instill, rather than financial influence and authoritarian dominance. This message brought a lot of joy and hope to me, especially in times of extremist political momentum and economic instability. I suppose the true meaning that values resemble is to render human development. This Forum highlighted to me the salience of pro-social values in a multicultural environment.
Finally, the opening and closing ceremonies shaped the approach and style of the discussions. The refinement and dynamism of the Forum impressed me. All of the impactful interventions of the speakers captivated the audience. The structure created by the organising team kept the event lively, yet profound. I cherish the ending ribbon ceremony where each participant shared with one another the value that the Forum brought to them. It was an authentic act of connection and awareness of how valuable a space of communication—agora—and of transformation—kairos—this Forum really created. It was indeed a great opportunity to still experience in these times of uncertainty the deep quality of a real democracy, which is dialogue. This Forum brought forth moments I cannot forget and proved how important are the values behind the social framework ubiquitously shared in our society.
In times of political polarisation, we shall choose to find unity in our values. In times of mistrust and segregation, we shall become a pillar of social inclusion. In times of aggression, we should cultivate our source of hope and peace. We have to act from the basis of values and faith, not only because we have a moral duty to pursue what is right, but because beyond our own individual benefit, we could create a wholesome society where my personal welfare is determined by the welfare of others. The profound message of equity and care is what I will keep in my heart, safely, until the next edition of the European Policy Dialogue Forum organized by KAICIID International Dialogue Centre.
Article written by Eva Dumitru, representing GEYC at the 6th European Policy Dialogue Forum and being part of the EFSD-STSL Ambassadors.