To learn and explore more about intercultural dialogue, we recommend reading the following materials.  

White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue “Living together as equals in dignity”

“The ‘White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue’ presented here, emphatically argues in the name of the governments of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe that our common future depends on our ability to safeguard and develop human rights, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, democracy and the rule of law and to promote mutual understanding. It reasons that the intercultural approach offers a forward-looking model for managing cultural diversity. It proposes a conception based on individual human dignity (embracing our common humanity and common destiny). If there is a European identity to be realised, it will be based on shared fundamental values, respect for common heritage and cultural diversity as well as respect for the equal dignity of every individual.”

The full document can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/library-document/white-paper-intercultural-dialogue-living-together-equals-dignity_en 

Manual for Developing Intercultural Competencies

“This book presents a structured yet flexible methodology for developing intercultural competence in a variety of contexts, both formal and informal. Piloted around the world by UNESCO, this methodology has proven to be effective in a range of different contexts and focused on a variety of different issues. It, therefore, can be considered an important resource for anyone concerned with effectively managing the growing cultural diversity within our societies to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.”

Further reading: https://en.unesco.org/themes/intercultural-dialogue/competencies#manual 

SHARING DIVERSITY National Approaches to Intercultural Dialogue in Europe

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY of a study prepared for the European Commission by the European Institute for Comparative Cultural Research (ERICarts)

“This study was carried out for the European Commission, Directorate-General for Education and Culture. The views taken and analyses presented are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commission or of individual EU Member States. The findings of the study are based on research carried out in 2007. Final editing was completed in early 2008.”

Further reading:  https://op.europa.eu/sl/publication-detail/-/publication/d2ac59ce-55cf-43be-9468-8946a826e457 

Intercultural Dialogue – Best practices at community level

“The year 2008 was a European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, that underlined the important contribution of intercultural dialogue to the European Union’s strategic priorities. Through its policies and programmes, it has always supported this important subject, which lies at the heart of European Union policies. This document showcases some results of the programmes and initiatives on this theme supported by European programmes.”

The collection of best practices can be found here:  https://ec.europa.eu/migrant-integration/library-document/intercultural-dialogue-best-practices-community-level_en 

Investing in Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue

UNESCO Report

“With this World Report from 2009, UNESCO reaffirms the continuing relevance of the United Nations approach based on universally proclaimed human rights and the principles of democratic governance. Better knowledge and recognition of our respective differences leads ultimately to better mutual understanding, with particular regard to those objectives we hold in common. Since the adoption of our Organization’s Constitution in 1945, this truth has been inscribed at the heart of UNESCO’s action.”

Find the report here:  https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000185202 

Dialogue Platform

“Intercultural Dialogue Platform (IDP) is a Brussels based non-profit civil society organisation, aiming at mutual understanding and harmonious interaction among people of different cultural backgrounds. The association also communicates the works of a network of European dialogue organisations (Dialogue Platform) associated with the Hizmet (Gülen movement) at the European level. The platform serves as the main information channel about Hizmet and Fethullah Gülen, who is the honorary president of the association.

Inspired by the teachings and example of the Muslim/Turkish scholar Fethullah Gülen, these organisations aim to advance and promote intercultural understanding, dialogical interaction and social cohesion in their respective societies.

While each partner organisation retains its institutional independence, the Dialogue Platform supports coordination among them to ensure the exchange of best practices and experience. It also works to give a louder voice at the EU level of the initiatives carried out by its partner organisations.

Dialogue Platform, moreover, fosters debate and analysis on various issues concerning a peaceful and respectful coexistence in European societies. By so doing, it aims to make practical contributions to the decision-making processes on relevant developments and issues impacting community relations in Europe.”

Find out more here: https://dialogueplatform.eu/