First Asia-Europe Youth Interfaith Dialogue

Why an Inaugural Interfaith Dialogue? Conflict prevention and resolution has become a core element in international relations. Beyond diplomatic circles, civil society representatives have a crucial role to play in fostering international co-operation, better understanding and intercultural appreciation. Religion is too often used as an alibi for violence or even as a weapon in a non-existing ‘clash of civilisations’. Youth, as the emergent leaders of tomorrow and as crucial actors in our societies today, have the sight and the responsibility to play a constructive role. In this context, young activists represent a rich religious heritage in our two regions, should they be given the opportunity to contribute positively in identifying the challenges that our societies face and in jointly developing proposals in which religion can be an engine of dialogue and understanding, instead of being an instrument at the service of confrontation and conflict. PROGRAMME The programme involves a combination of a Panel Discussion and working group sessions, and dialogue with key institutions in the host country. Interaction among the participants is emphasised, and adequate time will be allocated for discussions in the workshops among the participants. Panel Discussion: Religious Diversity and Harmony Participants will be divided into 4 Working Groups to engage in more in-depth discussion on issues that would be identified as youth priorities. Inputs from the Working Groups shall contribute to a Report and a Declaration that shall later be submitted for the consideration of the ASEM Leaders. Working Group I: Interfaith and Intercultural Dialogue Working Group II: Socio-Religious Conflict / Religion and Conflict Prevention and Resolution Working Group III: Education for Inter-religious Understanding and Appreciation Working Group IV: Religion in the Media A social/cultural programme is organised to enable the participants to learn more about the religion, culture, and history of host country. Field trips and educational visits to historical and cultural sites have been arranged.