Together in diversity

Along with the initiatives related to the European Year of Intercultural dialogue in the Old Continent, the slogan “together in diversity” is rapidly spreading too. Many are the declared objectives for these twelve months: “promoting mutual understanding and coexistence”; examining the advantages of cultural diversity; “promoting citizens’ active participation in European issues” and “stimulating the sense of belonging to Europe”. Hundreds of appointments. This week Brussels hosted the second of the seven official appointments in the framework of the 2008 program. During an international conference, on Tuesday, April 2 was addressed the role of cultural and artistic expression to the benefit of Peoples’ and States’ integration. The event, proposed in cooperation with the European Art Forum and the European Foundation for Culture, was opened by the address of Commissioner Jan Figel’ and was concluded by MEP Claire Gibault. Among the speakers figure Jette Sandahl, director of the museum of the city of Copenhagen, and Ahmet Polat, Turkish-Dutch photographer. “This meeting is devoted to the different forms of art present in the continent – Figel’ explained – and to the dynamic concept of identity”. The debates promoted in Belgium’s capital city had been inaugurated March 5th to reflect – among political decision-makers, cultural personalities from different nations, experts and journalists – on the relationship between migration and integration. Five more events are scheduled which are dedicated to religions in Europe (May 14), the working environment (June 4), multilingualism (September 10), education (October 1) and the media (November 5). The role of interreligious dialogue. In addition to these “central” moments, hundreds of “decentralized” initiatives in the 27 Union States and in candidate Countries are also planned. The complete program is up-dated on the website www.dialogue2008.eu, also providing documents, reports on the events under way, along with all the news and the projects both at Community and at National level, financed by the EU. The projects are related to schools, universities, civil society, NGOs, associations, religious communities, social media. In view of the conference on interreligious dialogue scheduled for mid-May, the Commission declared that “religious faiths, philosophies and beliefs are an integrating part of cultural diversity which through dialogue enrich our societies and contribute to individual fulfillment”. But in our “ever-more multicultural societies the difference in faiths and beliefs could trigger prejudice and fear. Dialogue based on respect can help overcome these fears by encouraging mutual understanding and openness”. This special Year is intended “to encourage confrontation within and among the different religious communities”. In this context, “educational activities and openness to other faiths play an important role”. Research and innovation for the year 2009. The basic task of each “special year” is to emphasize a given topic, usually in the social, cultural or civil environment, viewed as crucial for the progress towards united Europe. Past European years focused on disabled people (2003), education through sport (2004), education to citizenship (2005), workers’ mobility (2006) and equal opportunities for all (2007). During this week the project for the year 2009 was also approved. On Monday March 31, Jan Figel’ made known that the Commission will propose to the EU Council and Parliament – whose decision is the final one – to proclaim 2009 the European Year of creativity and innovation. The Executive believes that Europe and contemporary societies need “a rapid knowledge development”. Furthermore, “in a society of knowledge marked by cultural diversity, people need skills and qualifications that will enable them to view change as an opportunity”. Europe should therefore “enhance its ability to create and innovate, both for social and for economic reasons”. The year 2010 will be devoted to the struggle against poverty. The topic defined for the year 2010 is equally significant, since it will be the Year of Poverty and Social Exclusion. Financial allocation for official events is very consistent: from 10-12 million allocated this year, to 17 million euro. “The fight against poverty and social exclusion -explained the commissioner in charge Vladimir Spidla – is one of the major objectives of the European Union. The Special Year will continue promoting this debate by implementing social-awareness programs based on the fact that poverty and alienation continue threatening the daily lives of many Europeans”.