In times of major challenges, dialogue remains key to Europe’s resilience and cohesion.
In a Europe facing epochal challenges – from social polarisation to climate change, from gender-based violence to geopolitical tensions – dialogue between cultures, religions and institutions is confirmed as the key to building fairer, more cohesive and resilient societies. Five international events, held between November and December 2025, focused precisely on these themes, offering insights and perspectives for the continent’s future. These five events, different in topics and protagonists, are united by a common thread: the conviction that only through dialogue – between religions, cultures, institutions and civil society – can we address the challenges of our time. From ethics in public budgets to the fight against gender-based violence, from social cohesion to the diplomacy of hope, Europe presents itself as a laboratory of ideas and practices for a more humane and shared future.
1. Coesione Sociale e Clima: Il Forum KAICIID a Ginevra
Dal 10 al 13 novembre, il Crowne Plaza di Ginevra ha ospitato il 6° European Policy Dialogue Forum (EPDF), promosso da KAICIID, IFRC e dal Consiglio Europeo dei Leader Religiosi. Il Forum ha affrontato le principali questioni della coesione sociale ai tempi del cambiamento climatico, sottolineando la necessità di nuove forme di solidarietà e inclusione. Tra gli argomenti discussi figurano: l'equità intergenerazionale, il ruolo delle città come laboratori di innovazione sociale, la lotta alle disuguaglianze strutturali e la promozione di valori comuni come base per risposte collettive alle crisi. Il Forum ha anche dato spazio a idee innovative per il finanziamento etico e la cooperazione regionale, con l'obiettivo di raccogliere proposte concrete per una società europea più sostenibile e inclusiva.
2. Commissione europea: Rispondere alla polarizzazione
Il 17 novembre, la Commissione europea ha convocato a Bruxelles un dialogo di alto livello dedicato alla polarizzazione delle società. L'incontro, nell'ambito del dialogo previsto dall'articolo 17, ha riun.
Stefano Bettera (a sinistra) per l'EBU al Dialogo con Chiese, Religioni, Organizzazioni Filosofiche e Non Confessionali
3. Parlamento Europeo. Oltre i numeri: etica e solidarietà nel bilancio dell'UE
On 2 December, the European Parliament hosted the seminar “Beyond the numbers: the contribution of Article 17 TFEU to an EU Multiannual Financial Framework grounded in ethics, solidarity and inclusion”. The event explored how the EU’s multiannual budget can be inspired by ethical and inclusive principles, going beyond mere financial dimensions. The role of religious and philosophical organisations in defining fairer and more sustainable policies was discussed, as well as how the EU budget can promote a fairer and more competitive European social model.
4. OSCE. A Varsavia, le religioni unite contro la violenza di genere
On 4 and 5 December in Warsaw, the OSCE and ODIHR organised “Belief in CHANGE: Engaging Religious Actors to End VAWG”, an event dedicated to the role of religious actors in the fight against violence towards women and girls. Participants reflected on how religious and social identities can be both obstacles and vehicles for change, sharing good practices and strengthening support networks for victims. Central to the event was the involvement of faith communities in awareness campaigns and concrete prevention actions.
5. KAICIID. A Roma, la Diplomazia della Speranza
On 18 December, the Augustinianum Congress Centre in Rome hosted the KAICIID Reflective Roundtable “Religion and Diplomacy”, co-organised with the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See and the European Muslim Leaders Majlis. The meeting explored the ambivalent role of religion in global crises and the growing importance of interreligious diplomacy. The concept of a “diplomacy of hope”, inspired by Pope Francis, was discussed, inviting religious and political leaders to be agents of reconciliation and justice. Particular attention was given to the contribution of women and young people of faith in conflict resolution and the building of lasting peace.