COEXISTENCE INTERNATIONAL Vision, Values, and Goals

VISION Coexistence International envisions a world in which people of different religions, races, ethnicities and cultures relate with respect and recognize their interdependence, where diversity is embraced for its positive potential, and where equality is valued and actively pursued.

VALUES Respect Interdependence Diversity Equality

Other values associated with Coexistence… (1) A recent Oxfam definition suggested that coexistence work is about: “…recognizing each other’s status and rights as human beings, developing a just and inclusive vision for each community’s future, and implementing economic, social, cultural or political development across former community divides.”

Other Values (continued) (2) Division for Social Policy and Development (DESA, United Nations Expert Group Meeting on Dialogue in the Social Integration Process - Nov 05) “Coexistence arises with tolerance of difference i.e. social relations evolve on civic dialogue and consensus-building creating a need to prioritize and act.”

(2) Division for Social Policy and Development “The aim of social integration is to create "a society for all", in which every individual, each with rights and responsibilities, has an active role to play. Such an inclusive society must be based on respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, cultural and religious diversity, social justice and the special needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, democratic participation and the rule of law.”

Other Values (continued) (3) Slifka Foundation : “A unit in which there is respect for each other's difference, whether that difference be gender, race, nationality, or religious. A unit in which people of difference have learned to live together better, to coexist better, and because of this enhanced coexistence, they are living lives with less fear, enjoying lives with greater economic benefits and productivity, and have greater opportunities for growth as individuals and as a community.”

MISSION Coexistence International strengthens the field of policymakers, practitioners, researchers, advocates, organizations, and networks promoting coexistence at local, national, and international levels.

COEXISTENCE FIELD Individuals and institutions that work to strengthen intergroup relations: policymakers, practitioners, advocates, researchers, and funders local, regional, national, and international levels conflict resolution conflict transformation, dialogue, diversity work, multiculturalism, non-violence, peacebuilding and reconciliation related disciplines such as democracy and governance, human rights, humanitarian aid, refugee assistance and transitional justice

B: Related Disciplines CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Coexistence Field A: Core Disciplines B: Related Disciplines C: Funders, IGOs, Policy D: Meta Level

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK A B C D CORE DISCIPLINES (A): Those directly working on the mission of coexistence. Strengthening relationships across difference. RELATED DISCIPLINES (B): Practitioners and scholars working in related disciplines, whose work affects the quality of intergroup relations even though that is not the articulated focus. Humanitarian assistance, refugee resettlement, sustainable development, community cultural development, education, recreation and sport, etc. FUNDERS, IGOs, POLICY (C): Policymakers, funders, and IGOs who influence coexistence work through financial contributions and policy decisions at local, national, and international levels. META LEVEL (D): Those reflecting on the field from a meta-perspective. They come from circles A, B, or C and from varied regions, but they possess a consciousness and concern about the field in general. A B C D