In a world marked by growing polarization and rising social fragmentation – even in the most established democracies – the Dialogue Summit in Bucharest offered a timely and powerful response: dialogue as a method to rebuild connection, foster understanding, and navigate complexity.

Held from May 14 to 18, the summit brought together more than 270 participants and dialogue practitioners from at least 38 countries across all continents for an inspiring and productive week of exchange, reflection, and collaboration. This global gathering highlighted a shared recognition and common conviction: that meaningful, inclusive dialogue is vital for fostering resilient, democratic, and peaceful societies.

On May 26, Intercultural Dialogue Platform hosted Prof Vincent Parillo – an award-winning author, documentary producer, screenwriter, and visiting professor at several universities – for an engaging roundtable discussion. Raised in Paterson, New Jersey, a city known for its cultural diversity, Mr. Parillo has long been interested in how different communities coexist and interact. His book Hearts and Minds: Hizmet Schools and Interethnic Relations explores the role of Hizmet schools in fostering interethnic and interfaith harmony across various countries, based on interviews with students, parents, and educators.

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.

Every year since 1988, the European Parliament awards the Sakharov Prize to individuals or groups who have dedicated their lives to defending human rights and freedom of thought. This year, the EP awarded the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, recognizing their unwavering commitment to restoring democracy in Venezuela. Dialogue Platform, along with other civil society organizations, took part in the Award Ceremony on December 17 in Strasbourg. The event brought together laureates, finalists, and CSOs to discuss shared values and strategies for promoting democracy, peacebuilding, and human rights worldwide

On October 17, 2024, Professor Ori Z. Soltes presented his book, Between Thought & Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gülen, focusing on the Hizmet (Service) Movement and Fethullah Gülen. Professor Soltes teaches at Georgetown University, where his lectures cover topics ranging from art history and theology to philosophy and political history. His multidisciplinary career includes directing museums and curating exhibitions.

This policy paper analyzes the potential effects of the 2024 US presidential election on EU politics, particularly the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. A Trump victory may intensify Euroscepticism and lead to more restrictive migration policies among his European allies. Conversely, a Trump defeat could fuel distrust in electoral processes, potentially triggering events similar to the 2021 Capitol attack. The paper recommends regular in-depth country reviews (ICRs) to develop tailored migration strategies, anticipating that either election outcome could increase fragmentation and populist influence within EU member states, though with varying degrees of impact.

On May 6-7, in a dynamic convergence of ideas and insights, young minds from across Europe gathered at the European Parliament’s Info Hub for a two-day event aimed at shaping the future of Europe. Organized by the Intercultural Dialogue Platform in collaboration with partners from the Citizen Z project and Stand Up for Europe, and in partnership with the European Parliament, the event served as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and action in the run-up to the European elections.

On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the spirit of engagement and dialogue that began at STAM Europa on April 9 continued to flourish as the Intercultural Dialogue Platform (IDP) hosted a follow-up event. This time, the setting was the intimate surroundings of IDP offices, providing the perfect backdrop for a candid conversation with Mr. Bram Van Hecke, a 28-year-old Belgian candidate running for the European Parliament under the EPP banner with the CD&V party. The event aimed to delve deeper into Mr. Van Hecke’s vision for Europe and allowed for lively discussions between him and the audience.

In the heart of Brussels, at STAM Europa, a unique and crucial dialogue unfolded on April 9, bringing together aspiring European Parliament candidates and the vibrant voices of youth representatives. The event, titled “Meet Your Future Policymakers: Youth and EP Candidates in Dialogue,” organised by the Intercultural Dialogue Platform and Stand Up for Europe, aimed to foster direct engagement between candidates and potential electors ahead of the pivotal 2024 European Elections.

The Civil Society Outreach Unit of the European Parliament, together with InfoHub at the European Parliament in Brussels, co-hosted the second edition of Deliberative Democracy Days, a pivotal event under the ambit of the two-year EU-funded Citizen Z project coordinated by the Intercultural Dialogue Platform.