Living together / Vivre ensemble Robin Wilson

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

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

What is it for? Can no longer assume that all who live within a state will assimilate to its predominant ethos 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 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’ 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 Critical if we are to live together as equals

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 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) Impartial public authorities—only lay authorities can broker dialogue honestly (eg between religious) Recognition integration is a ‘two-way street’ Recognition integration is a ‘two-way street’

Where does it happen? Intercultural dialogue is at issue throughout public sphere: 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

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

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

Role for Council of Europe? Moral standing as ‘conscience of Europe’, guardian of (universal) values of human rights, rule of law and political pluralism 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 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 Potential for partnerships with other transnational bodies, as well as governments and civil society