Barcelona hosts the KAICIID conference on social inclusion and the role of the media in the fight against hate speech in European cities

Castelldefels / Barcelona, ​​SPAIN. Under the theme “Social inclusion in cities: strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships to bring communities to dialogue“, The Center for International Dialogue (KAICIID), the Blanquerna Observatory for Media, Culture and Religion, the European Council for Religious Leaders (ECRL / RfP Europe), the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences of Barcelona ( ISCREB) and the KAICIID-supported “Network for Dialogue” today launched the “4th European political dialogue forum”In Castelldefels / Barcelona. The forum is supported by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and was attended by its Head of the Department for Tolerance and Non-Discrimination, Dr. Kishan Manocha.

Once a year, this unique event serves as a platform for civil society actors, policy makers, representatives of religious organizations and academic experts who come together to discuss the most pressing issues relating to the inclusion of refugees and migrants around the world. Europe. The 4th the forum edition sees the participation of over 100 participants from over 30 different countries and from multiple faiths, including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Baha’is, Scientology and other.

Thematically, this year’s meeting explores the role of the media in countering hate speech, as well as the importance of forging multi-stakeholder partnerships to support the social inclusion of migrants and refugees in European cities. Participants jointly discuss the roles of different stakeholders, from journalists to policy makers and religious communities, and the importance of their collaboration towards more inclusive societies for all.

“Governments and multilateral actors cannot alone galvanize the commitment to promote social inclusion in European cities. To tackle this huge task, we also need broad collaboration with and between religious communities, civil society representatives and grassroots activists. Through the European Policy Dialogue Forum, we seek to increase involvement among all these stakeholders, make their voices heard, share all the different perspectives and discuss ways to cooperate more effectively “,

KAICIID Secretary General Zuhair Alharthi spoke about the event.

The high number of people arriving on the European continent fleeing situations of poverty, war, violence or lack of security makes integration a crucial issue. The European Political Dialogue Forum is a key space in this regard, as it brings together actors from different sectors with the common goal of integrating migrants. This year’s edition, focused on the role of the media, is highly appropriate as the contact of migrants with the citizens of the world occurs mainly through these spaces and it is the responsibility of journalists to present and describe these groups beyond the labels“.

Miriam Díez-Bosch, of the Blanquerna Observatory said

Among the speakers and speakers of the 4th Political dialogue forums are:

  • Sónia Pereira, High Commissioner for Migration of the Republic of Portugal
  • Kishan Manocha, Head of Tolerance and Non-Discrimination, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
  • Míriam Díez Bosch, Director of the Blanquerna Observatory on Media, Culture e ReligionRamon Lullo University
  • Rev. Dr. Thomas Wipf, President of the European Council of Religious Leaders Religions for Peace Europe
  • Metropolitan Emmanuel, Metropolitan Elder of Chalcedon and member of the board of directors of KAICIID
  • Milica Pešić, Executive Director, Media Diversity Institute
  • Lakshmi Vyas, President of the Hindu Forum Europe
  • Thomas Andersson, President of the News Commission at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe

About KAICIID

International Dialogue Center (KAICIID) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes dialogue to build peace in conflict areas. It does this by improving understanding and cooperation between people of different cultures and followers of different religions. Its board of directors includes prominent representatives of the five major world religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism). KAICIID’s vision is a world where there is respect, understanding and cooperation between people, justice, peace and reconciliation and an end to the abuse of religion to justify oppression, violence and conflict.

Information on the Blanquerna Observatory on media, culture and religion

Blanquerna Observatory on media, religion and culture it is an interdisciplinary space for research and dissemination of information and activities on communication and religion. The Observatory follows the trends of religious information, the presence of religion in the media, communication and new technologies and the latest news on the right to freedom of religion and belief. It also seeks the links between popular culture and the spiritual aspects of society. All this, favoring research, training, dissemination, publication and internationalization of the religious phenomenon. Participates in activities that link the religious aspect to social cohesion, freedom of expression and the naturalization of the religious fact in increasingly complex societies.

On the Network for Dialogue

Network for dialogue is a European platform created to bring together actors of faith and civil society to promote the use of dialogue and develop more effective recommendations for social inclusion policies for migrants and refugees in Europe. Established with the support of KAICIID, the network currently has 25 members from 15 different countries.

Barcelona hosts the KAICIID conference on social inclusion and the role of the media in the fight against hate speech in European cities