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Living together / Vivre ensemble

Living together / Vivre ensemble. Robin Wilson r.wilson250@btinternet.com. Summary. Why intercultural dialogue? What is it for? What are its conditions? Where does it happen? Who is responsible? How is it developed? Role for Council of Europe?. Why intercultural dialogue?.

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Living together / Vivre ensemble

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  1. Living together /Vivre ensemble Robin Wilson r.wilson250@btinternet.com

  2. Summary • Why intercultural dialogue? • What is it for? • What are its conditions? • Where does it happen? • Who is responsible? • How is it developed? • Role for Council of Europe?

  3. Why intercultural dialogue? • Effects of globalisation and mass migration • All societies now culturally diverse and none insulated from others • Wars in ex-Yugoslavia, ‘9/11’, ’11/3’ and ‘7/7’ • Alternative ‘solution’: ‘clash of civilisations’, ‘war on terror’ • Intercultural dialogue holds out prospect of cultural enrichment

  4. What is it for? • Can no longer assume that all who live within a state will assimilate to its predominant ethos • Yet multi-culturalism has unintentionally fostered segregation and incomprehension • Intercultural dialogue recognises there are genuine differences of perspective but aims to achieve ‘solidarity among strangers’ • Critical if we are to live together as equals

  5. What are its conditions? • Equality of citizenship—must be underpinned by human rights, including rights of persons belonging to minority communities and by gender equality • Impartial public authorities—only lay authorities can broker dialogue honestly (eg between religious) • Recognition integration is a ‘two-way street’

  6. Where does it happen? • Intercultural dialogue is at issue throughout public sphere: • intercultural/bilingual education • impartial/minority media • planning and neighbourhood policies • sensitive issues in health and social services • policies on culture and heritage • Issues of immigration and foreign policy

  7. Who is responsible? • Intercultural dialogue happens at all levels from interpersonal to international • So inevitably involves: • civic (including minority) associations • local and regional authorities • national governments • transnational bodies

  8. How is it developed? • Intercultural dialogue calls for ‘joined-up’ solutions • Governments can allocate lead department, establish interdepartmental arrangement or create cross-departmental public body • Must engage civic society, especially minority associations, in this work • Can draw together in single integration plan • Local authorities can establish integration committees, with minority representatives

  9. Role for Council of Europe? • Moral standing as ‘conscience of Europe’, guardian of (universal) values of human rights, rule of law and political pluralism • Intellectual credentials as ‘think tank’ or clearing house for good practice • Potential for partnerships with other transnational bodies, as well as governments and civil society

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