Brussels, March 2025
On the evening of March 26, the European Parliament was the host to the Annual Intercultural Iftar Dinner, bringing together distinguished guests, policymakers, civil society representatives, and faith leaders to celebrate unity in diversity and the power of solidarity in facing contemporary challenges. Organized by the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, along with several civil society organizations, and hosted by MEP Kathleen Van Brempt, this year’s theme, Building Resilience in Solidarity in the Face of Challenges, underlined the need for collective strength and cooperation in an increasingly polarized world.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the hosts, who stressed that in an era of increasing polarization – where misinformation and division endanger our freedoms and the very fabric of our shared European heritage – standing together in solidarity is not merely a choice but a necessity.
The program included a series of keynote speeches by prominent figures, starting with the event’s host, MEP Kathleen Van Brempt, who highlighted the European Parliament’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, emphasizing the vital role of dialogue in addressing challenges and strengthening our democracies. Mehmet Bayrak, Executive Director of the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, followed with insights on the importance of fostering intercultural understanding. MEP Rudi Kennes reflected on the spiritual significance of Ramadan for Muslim and underscored our collective responsibility to build a future of peace and justice in Europe.
Further contributions came from Father Bernd Günther from Chapel for Europe, who highlighted the role of faith in fostering unity, and Temir Naziri from Arco Forum, who emphasized the significance of intercultural dialogue. Vincent Depaigne, Coordinator for the dialogue with religious and non-confessional organizations at the European Commission, provided insights into the European approach to fostering mutual understanding. Dr. Cenap Aydin from Istituto Tevere elaborated on the role of interfaith initiatives in strengthening social harmony. Rumi Unal, Vice-President of Cohesion, discussed the importance of civil society in promoting dialogue, while Anny Hesius, Dialogue Coordinator at New Humanity of the Focolare Movement, shared perspectives on community engagement and cooperation.
Breaking Fast Together
As the Adhan, or call to prayer, resonated through the hall, following a moment of common prayer, guests gathered to break their fast, symbolizing the spirit of inclusivity and shared humanity that defines Ramadan. The dinner setting encouraged an atmosphere of warmth and dialogue, allowing attendees to connect beyond their differences and engage in meaningful conversations.
Meanwhile, as participants enjoyed their meals, the Dostaki Duo captivated the audience with a mesmerizing live performance, blending rhythms and melodies from Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. Their music transcended language and cultural barriers, uniting people in harmony and joy, and powerfully reinforcing the evening’s message of unity.
Engaging the Community
A special highlight of the evening was the Dialogue Seeds initiative, where guests received plantable cards as a symbolic gesture of nurturing trust and cooperation. Participants were encouraged to plant these seeds and care for them, much like how we nurture relationships and cultivate a more resilient and united community.
The evening continued with guest interventions, where attendees shared their reflections, followed by a time for networking over coffee and delicious desserts. This provided yet another opportunity for inspired conversations, leaving participants motivated to continue building bridges between cultures.
In a Europe that faces increasing social and political challenges, events like this Intercultural Iftar Dinner play a vital role in promoting dialogue and fostering resilience through solidarity. The spirit in which the Annual Iftar was organized at the European Parliament, the very House of Democracy for Europe, sends a powerful message of unity, togetherness, and inclusivity. Now more than ever, it is crucial to see those around us as people first, regardless of their convictions, political views, religions, ethnicity, or colour. The true power of dialogue and inclusion lies in embracing the other, especially when we hold differing opinions, yet manage to express them freely with mutual respect and understanding. Living together in Europe, and in smaller communities, does not mean we must all be the same; rather, it requires that we respect our differences and learn from one another’s perspectives, enriching our collective experience.
With an eye on the future, we hope to see you with us again next year. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue planting dialogue seeds, nurturing understanding, and fostering connections in your own communities.
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