Everything starts with dialogue - cross-sectoral PBA on interfaith dialogue & youth work

Theme:

Religion is often seen as a source of difference and conflict, but does it have to be that way? In a world where (religious) identity often divides, we seek to explore the potential of religion as a solution and a catalyst for cultural diplomacy. Interfaith dialogue is becoming increasingly recognised by governments and institutions, as crucial for building cohesive communities. By perceiving interfaith dialogue as a positive resource and engaging in it meaningfully, we can build bridges across diverse communities, promote understanding, respect and peace.

What is interfaith dialogue and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this partnership building activity.

We want to create space for reflection and putting our own, social and organisational attitudes and practices under the magnifying glass. We’ll have a closer look at the basic elements of interfaith dialogue, its potential and limits in the youth work and other sectors. The partnership building should allow professionals to question each other’s way of working and look for the ways to create bridges and build new practices.  

We want to discuss the pressing matters and challenges affecting interfaith dialogue and get inspired to make our programmes and organisations more inclusive and embracing of human differences.

The seminar builds on 5 ID Talks webinars, seminar in Austria and a study visit in Malta in 2024 and a training course in Morocco, May 2025. Our new publication "Power of interfaith dialogue" is available here.

Aim of the interfaith dialogue cycle:

To develop (youth) professionals 'diversity management’ skills in order to create better opportunities for young people faced with or at risk of religious discrimination.

Objectives of the PBA:

• To explore different realities and provide opportunities for cooperation and networking by exploring funding opportunities, like Erasmus+ & European Solidarity Corps programmes.  
• To reflect on personal system of believes, structural issues and organisational practices in order to identify similarities and space for international cooperation on interfaith dialogue. 
• To provide opportunities for finding a common-ground for cross-sectoral networking on interfaith dialogue.
• To strengthen inter-faith dialogue and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among youth professionals.  

Participants' profile

Max 60 professionals from different sectors (youth, school, VET, higher and adult education), working directly with people at risk of religious discrimination on a regular basis. This includes youth workers/leaders, project coordinators, teachers, coaches, religious leaders/representatives of religious institutions, social and health workers, employment officers… interested in fostering positive dialogue, understanding diverse perspectives and contributing to community and peace-building initiatives. Believers, atheists, doubters or seekers.

• Participants who work with people with different religious, faith or spiritual beliefs and/or minority and migrant background, will be given priority. 
• Motivated and having capacity to develop international project(s) addressing interfaith dialogue. 
• Having experience with the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes is not essential, but desirable. 
• Able to work in (international) English. 
• From E+: YiA Programme and Partner countries

Team

PBA is co-organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity and Polish National Agency for the E+ and ESC programme.

More info here!