On Wednesday evening, 4 March, the European Parliament hosted the Annual Intercultural Iftar Dinner, bringing together Members of the European Parliament, civil society representatives, faith leaders, policymakers, and academics to reflect on the importance of dialogue, solidarity, and the protection of human dignity.
Hosted by MEP Kathleen Van Brempt, the event was organised by the Intercultural Dialogue Platform (Belgium) in collaboration with Fedactio (Belgium), Chapel for Europe (Belgium), Arco Forum (Spain), Istituto Tevere (Italy), SDUB (Germany), BDDI (Germany), Cohésions (France), Solidarity with Others (Belgium), Platform INS (Netherlands), and Religions for Peace Europe (Germany).
Held under the theme “Human Rights in Action – Practising Our Shared Values for a Peaceful Tomorrow,” the 2026 edition brought together participants from diverse cultural, religious, and professional backgrounds. Alongside policymakers and EU officials, the gathering welcomed academics, representatives of civil society organisations, and faith communities from across Europe. Several Members of the European Parliament from different political groups and countries attended, reflecting the broad interest in dialogue and human rights across the European political landscape.
The event highlighted the idea that democracy and human rights are sustained not only through legislation and institutions, but also through everyday actions, mutual understanding, and shared responsibility among communities.
Human Rights and Global Responsibility
Opening the evening, MEP Kathleen Van Brempt reflected on the significance of hosting the gathering within the European Parliament, emphasising that the institution must embody the values it represents.
Van Brempt stressed that Europe must remain consistent in defending human rights globally, noting that the credibility of the European project depends on upholding international law and fundamental rights without compromise. She also reflected on the deeper meaning of Ramadan, describing the iftar as more than a moment to end the daily fast.
“People gather during the iftar not simply to pause, but to reconnect,” she said, highlighting the values of reflection, empathy, and solidarity associated with the holy month.
Equality and Shared Humanity
The evening continued with remarks from MEP Katrin Langensiepen, who spoke about unity, equality, and shared humanity across cultural and religious differences.
“Today we celebrate unity,” Langensiepen said, noting that the gathering took place just days before International Women’s Day.
She emphasised that equality must be reflected in practice rather than remain symbolic.
“I do not want special treatment. I want the same rights as anyone else.”
She added that sharing a meal together serves as a reminder of the common ground that connects people beyond cultural and religious differences.
Human Rights in Everyday Life
In her keynote address, Fatima Altunbas-Kaya, President of the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, reflected on the deeper connection between Ramadan and the practical meaning of human rights.
Welcoming participants, she emphasised that the gathering was not only about sharing a meal but about reaffirming a shared commitment to human dignity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
“Values matter most when they are reflected in our daily choices and in the way we treat one another,” she said.
Altunbas-Kaya explained that fasting during Ramadan nurtures empathy for those in need and encourages individuals to transform compassion into responsibility toward society.
Quoting a verse from the Qur’an “We created you from a male and a female and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another”, she emphasised that diversity should be seen not as a challenge but as an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.
She also recalled a saying of the Prophet Muhammad highlighting service to others:
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.”
According to Altunbas-Kaya, this principle reflects the essence of human rights in action: protecting dignity, supporting the vulnerable, and working for the common good beyond differences of faith, culture, or identity.
She noted that the Intercultural Dialogue Platform’s work is guided by the belief that trust grows through encounter, understanding grows through learning, and social cohesion grows through shared responsibility. In a time marked by political polarisation and social fragmentation, she stressed that strengthening relationships between communities is essential for Europe’s future.
The Role of Education
During the programme, Professor Ides Nicaise (KU Leuven) emphasised the importance of human rights education in building inclusive and resilient societies.
He noted that democratic values and human rights cannot be sustained without education that equips citizens, particularly younger generations, with the knowledge and ethical awareness needed to recognise injustice, resist discrimination, and actively contribute to democratic life.
His remarks highlighted that dialogue initiatives such as the Intercultural Iftar can complement formal education by creating spaces where people from different backgrounds encounter one another and develop mutual understanding.
Dialogue Across Communities
Additional contributions on the importance of intercultural dialogue and cooperation in strengthening European societies were delivered by MEP Leoluca Orlando, Sabina González Vilas (Chapel for Europe), Genti Kruja (Religions for Peace Europe), Cenap Aydin (Instituto Tevere) and Ercan Karakoyun (Dialogue & Education Foundation Germany).
In his remarks, Karakoyun approached the theme of human rights from a spiritual perspective, sharing a parable about an empty chair kept at gatherings to symbolise those who are absent or unheard. The story, he explained, serves as a reminder that human rights begin with the conscious effort to recognise and include those without a voice.
The structure of the dinner itself reflected the theme of the evening: each table was dedicated to a specific human right, encouraging participants to reflect on the practical meaning of these principles during their conversations.
A Shared Moment of Reflection
Following a moment of shared reflection, the Adhan, the call to prayer, resonated through the hall, marking the time to break the fast. Participants then gathered to share the iftar meal together, symbolising the spirit of inclusivity and shared humanity that defines Ramadan.
The communal dinner created a warm and open environment for conversation among participants from diverse cultural, religious, and professional backgrounds. The evening concluded with networking over coffee and dessert, providing further opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.
Building a More Inclusive Europe
In a Europe facing increasing political polarisation and global challenges, the Intercultural Iftar Dinner served as a reminder that democracy begins with the protection of human dignity.
By bringing together diverse voices within the European Parliament, the event highlighted the importance of dialogue, empathy, and shared responsibility in building peaceful and resilient societies.
More than a ceremonial gathering, the Intercultural Iftar demonstrated how shared values can be translated into action, strengthening the foundations of European democracy and reaffirming the collective commitment to a more inclusive and peaceful future.
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