Dialogue of truth

“Dialogue should be based on truth”. In particular, “intercultural dialogue demands respect for the dignity, religious beliefs and stands of the various parties involved, without attempting to diminish Peoples’ cultural differences.” Hans-Gert Poettering, president of the European Parliament, conveyed his thoughts on the “African week” that gathered momentum in Brussels’ EU Assembly.Two continents extend their hands. “It has been a pleasure to welcome our guests to the European Parliament. We are pleased to see Europeans and Africans come together to celebrate African culture”. President Poettering acted as “host” during the vibrant debates held at the headquarters of the Assembly on September 8-12. The initiatives lie within the framework of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 that brought to Belgium’s capital city politicians, scholars, writers, artists, civil society representatives who addressed major issues pertaining to cooperation between the two continents and the related challenges such as migration, human rights and education. “Erecting bridges, not walls”. “Intercultural dialogue – Poettering explained – entails meetings, exchanges of views, listening to the other and if possible a joint action”. To this regard, he quoted a Swahili proverb: “It is best to erect bridges than walls”. “Indeed – President Poettering remarked – we ought to erect bridges together. We should commit ourselves to ensure that diversity is viewed as a source of strength and mutual enrichment”. Poettering gave special relevance to the event, “one of the most important in the Year of Intercultural Dialogue” which he placed in the wake of ongoing formal relations between the EU and African States. To this regard, he recalled the latest summit held past December in Lisbon.What is the relationship between tradition and modernity? The program includes seminars, audiovisuals, debates, informal meetings, readings. On Monday 8 a movie filmed in Burkina Faso was shown followed by a debate on the relationship between tradition and modernity. On Tuesday 9, a round table attended by ambassadresses focused upon the question of women’s rights. The event was accompanied by a reception with ethnic cuisine, photo exhibitions and concerts. A seminar held in the European Parliament’s seat for the Promotion of Parliamentary Democracy examined the possibility of cooperation between the legislative assemblies of two continents’ countries. Working parties will convene on September 10 to discuss financial support to imports, intercultural dialogue, food safety, along with the “challenges to integration placed by ethnic, cultural and religious diversity”. Human rights, works of art. On September 11 the African Week will be devoted to an open debate with ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif followed by a seminar on the role of African institutions in the framework of the protection and promotion of fundamental rights and freedoms. A conference will equally be delivered by a panel of speakers including President Poettering, EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Nigerian writer and Literature Noble Prize winner Wole Soyinka, the Commissioner of the African Union for Social and Cultural affairs Bience Gawanas, and photographer Malick Sidibé from Mali. A round table on the “African Diaspora” is also scheduled, which will address the impact of the “brain drain” and its repercussions on the future of African Countries. A large number of artists are animating the European Parliament building. Pictures and sculptures are part of an exhibition set up inside and outside its premises, along with film screenings, artifacts and local products constituting a virtual trip into contemporary African culture and artistic creativity.