Introducing the Network for Dialogue: EMPOWERING INTERRELIGIOUS AND INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE FOR THE SOCIAL INCLUSION OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
The Network for Dialogue was initiated in 2018 by the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) in order to bring faith and civil society actors from around Europe together to promote the use of dialogue and develop more effective recommendations for social inclusion policies for migrants and refugees in Europe. As a European-wide platform, the Network for Dialogue gathers faith-based and secular organizations, religious leaders and scholars working in the field of migration and religious studies. In 2019, the Network members come from Austria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and the Network plans to expand its membership to other European countries.
The Network for Dialogue organizes regular twice-yearly meetings in workshop format and coordinates webinars, training sessions, conference panels and publications in order to exchange knowledge, tools and approaches. By identifying gaps in the field of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, the Network aims to reduce hate speech and prejudice towards migrants and refugees in Europe. And by sharing diverse and rich grassroots-level experiences, Network members aim to develop recommendations for policy makers working on migrants and refugees on the local, national and European level. In assisting and supporting social inclusion of people seeking refuge in their new host societies through various local initiatives, the Network for Dialogue is building bridges around Europe. Membership of the Network is open to persons working with refugees and migrants and who promote interreligious or intercultural dialogue, tolerance and respect the diversity of cultures and freedom of religious belief.