Focus of the event was the presentation of recommendations for the European Union from the DialogUE project – “Diverse Identities Allied, Open, to Generate a United Europe” on issues crucial to the current European and world situation, summarized in the “DialogUE Kit” brochure.

“You can see with the naked eye that something happens when people of peace talk,” said MEP Catarina Martins of the European Left, who opened the meeting in a hall of the European Parliament. “And this is just such a moment. Dialogue is a powerful tool for peace.”

The project stems from the decades-long commitment of New Humanity, an expression of the Focolare Movement, which has significantly promoted good practices in interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The approach fosters mutual respect and trust, essential elements for fruitful dialogue and collaborative efforts.

Francisco Canzani, general counselor for the Culture and Study area of the Focolare Movement emphasized in his speech that dialogue is built from three elements: attitudes, tools, and method. On the latter, the method of differentiated consensus and qualified dissent, which originated within the platform between Christians and Marxists DIALOP, is now a source of inspiration and practice for other dialogue groups.

In 2023 and 2024, the project involved 4 dialogue groups in 3 main areas: Communication, Ecology and Social Policy. The dialogue groups were:

• Among Christian citizens through the Together4Europe platform.
• Between Christians and Muslims through the Focolare Movement’s Center for Interreligious Dialogue.
• Between Christians and people who do not identify with a religious belief, through the DIALOP platform for cross-religious dialogue
• Between Western and Eastern European citizens through the Multipolar Dialogue Group.

The project mainly facilitated the dissemination of the meaning and methodologies necessary for effective dialogue. It also brought together international experts on these three key challenges, who helped participants understand the main EU documents on these topics and explore the different dimensions of each theme.

The groups worked together to identify shared principles and common proposals. Their work led to recommendations that were submitted to the European Parliament.

The DialogUE project — was promoted by a consortium of 14 civil society organizations from 9 EU member countries.

Among the main results achieved by the project: 12 international meetings and a training for facilitators and experts; the direct involvement of 1,200 citizens and more than 10,000 indirectly; and the creation of the “Dialogue Kit,” intended for educators, NGOs, and policymakers to promote dialogue and social cohesion. These meetings resulted in shared recommendations for EU decision makers to promote more inclusive and sustainable policies.

In the afternoon of October 16, a discussion group hosted by KU Leuven (University of Leuven) in Brussels was held, during which participants analyzed some good practices that emerged from the project and discussed how to further disseminate these initiatives through the ‘Dialogue Kit.

For information about the project: https://www.new-humanity.org/en/project/dialogue/

To review the event click here:

Fisrt published by focolare.org.

L'articolo Final Conference of the DialogUE Project presents and discusses recommendations created by 4 dialogue groups in the European Parliament proviene da New Humanity.

This event will be a moment of reflection and sharing, where we will discuss the outcomes of the meaningful dialogues we have facilitated. Join us to celebrate our achievements and the connections made throughout this journey.

Register now to participate in the evening session: https://forms.office.com/e/DbXiW5EZR2

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Get to know more about the project here!

L'articolo DialogUE Project Final Event proviene da New Humanity.

From January 16th to 18th, youth from Germany, Italy, Slovakia, Lithuania, Austria, and Hungary had the opportunity to engage in various dialogues with key figures in sustainability, including representatives of the European Green Deal and committed politicians. The journey provided a chance to connect all the locally conducted activities to the reality of the EU institutions. Mátyás Nemeth, from Hungary, states: “This trip to Brussels is very interesting because we can meet people from other countries and share experiences we had back home. We learned how much the European Union has been doing for ecology and how local activities can effectively influence EU decisions.”

Each country developed different activities aligned with their local realities, always emphasizing two common values: sustainability and inclusion. These were moments when the young people engaged with various realities, including Gypsies and Rom, people with disabilities, and youth from foster homes and those incarcerated. From Italy, Ludovica Cesarone shares how the project changed her life: “I know myself, but I don’t know how deeply I understand myself. This project has given me the opportunity to integrate, make friends, and create relationships with incredible people.” 

Three pillars guided this transformative journey: Responsible Citizenship, Green Trainings & Activities, and Sensitization Through Communication. These themes formed the foundation for participants to deepen their understanding of sustainability and its various dimensions. 

The immersive experience began with a visit to the European Council, where an informative session about the functioning of the European institutions set the tone. Subsequent visits included the European Parliament, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), COMECE, the German Representation, and the Green European Foundation. Each visit served not only as a tour but also as an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogues, fostering connections and understanding. 

The project goes beyond practical actions and has a profound impact on the youth, helping to shape them into individuals who are agents of change in the world, equipped with values such as empathy and self-knowledge. “With this project I learned to think also about the other, the importance of not being indifferent. Reflecting about consumerism, we learned about child labor in Bangladesh – when I think about it, I’m sure we need to change the way we consume”, Mária Krištofíková from Slovakia shares her learnings. 

Inclusion is at the heart of sustainability. Protecting the planet and ensuring the sustainability of life on earth depends on the commitment and participation of everyone, regardless of their background, culture, language, or economic situation. Juan Camilo Poveda, coordinator of the Austrian group, emphasizes: “Initiatives like this are very important because young people want to get involved, they want to learn. This is the opportunity to change a whole generation.” The stories shared by participants reflect not just a commitment to sustainability but a collective understanding of the importance of responsible citizenship, nurturing a generation that seeks to redefine the future.

Check out the highlights of this journey!

L'articolo Greenclusive in Brussels: bridging local actions to global impact proviene da New Humanity.

Ecology, a topic of growing global interest, has increasingly attracted the interest of many. Pope Francis emphasizes the urgent need to address environmental issues through his encyclical “Laudato Si’. Despite these calls, the stark reality remains: there have been too few tangible improvements. What is missing in our collective efforts and what more can we do to protect our planet? To seek answers to these questions and find ways  to act collectively, a diverse group of 50 people from over 13 different countries convened at the Centrum Eenheid, in Rotselaar, Belgium, from October 25th to 29^th 2023 for a transformative four-day event. Their mission: to engage in dialogue, acquire knowledge, and exchange experiences in the pursuit of better care for our planet.

Organized by Multipolar Dialogue, an initiative that brings together citizens from East and West Europe in a methodology based on the practice of a “pact of love” on which can be built a space of trust, the event offered a rich mixture of lectures, talks, dialogues, and best practices, creating a dynamic space for sharing experiences and knowledge. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking dialogues on a range of topics, such as, sustainable development, biodiversity, integral ecology and noise reduction. In addition to these dialogues, participants had the opportunity to share their experiences, such as initiatives like school and community gardens, “Greening Africa Together“, “Grüne Dach Impulse”, while they also took part  in workshop in workshops.

Moreover, the event was graced by the presence of esteemed experts whose insights elevated the dialogues and provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions. Dr. Helmut Maurer, an authority on environmental matters, shared invaluable perspectives during an interview focused on the implementation of the Green Deal, shedding light on the practical steps needed to address environmental issues. Lorna Gold, the Chair of the Laudato Si Movement and CEO at FaithInvest, brought her wealth of experience to the event, inspiring participants with her wisdom and vision.

A multi-project endeavor

This event was not just a standalone gathering but a crucial component of the broader initiative “Project DialogUE“. The overarching goal of this initiative is to actively engage with citizens, giving them a platform to voice their concerns and ideas. As part of this mission, the event had a distinct purpose: to facilitate meaningful dialogues and craft proposals that could be presented to the European Union. In pursuit of this objective, participants had the unique opportunity to visit EU institutions, gaining deeper insights into the processes and avenues through which their proposals and requests could be channeled.

“Project DialogUE” aligns with the commitment of the Focolare movement to listen to the cry of the earth and respond to its needs. This commitment is encapsulated in the EcoPlan – the Focolare Movement statement for Integral Ecology – that was also presented during the event, outlining a path towards a more sustainable and integral ecological conscious future.

Connecting for change

Beyond the invaluable knowledge gained and the experiences shared, these four days left a profound impact on the participants. They felt more than just attendees; they became part of a global community with a shared concern for our planet’s well-being. The sense of connection, dialogue, and collective purpose was palpable, as individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries came together to answer the cry of the earth. As Anna Waibel, a driving force behind the School Gardens project in Austria, expressed, “For me it was really awesome to see that my school is not the only place that tries to change something, but that others also want to do so. I noticed that nothing works without community and acting together.” Anny Hesius, the Multipolar Dialogue coordinator from Belgium, aptly summarized the collective sentiment, saying, “The proposal was to offer each other t

o listen and exchange knowledge and it has made us more aware, stronger, more co-responsible and more decisive. We have become a true family. Protagonists of peace and justice, of love toward the inhabitants of the earth and our common home”

In these four days, participants not only expanded their ecological knowledge but also found a sense of purpose and community, leaving with a renewed determination to collaborate and bring about meaningful change on a global scale.

First published by focolare.org

L'articolo Insights from GreenCare in Belgium proviene da New Humanity.

Do you want to contribute to a united world, representing the United World Project and New Humanity NGO in your country and working with national and international institutions such as UNESCO and the United Nations? You are invited to join us!

Who are we ?

The United World Ambassadors program is promoted by New Humanity International NGO, a Non-governmental organization of the Focolare Movement. The mission of the NGO is to be the expression of the values, ideas and good practices that are born from the life of the Focolare Movement in every sphere of society, the idea of a united world, promoting the spirit of universal fraternity at all levels, as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1987 it obtained Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Social and Economic Council (ECOSOC), and has held General Consultative Status since 2005. In 2008 it was recognized as an NGO partner of UNESCO. New Humanity NGO is one of the main promoters of the United World Project.

The ‘United World Ambassadors’ program aims at creating a worldwide network of youth who become spokesperson of New Humanity NGO at national and international level, being the bridge between local and global efforts for a united world. Specifically, the ‘United World Ambassadors’ will be in charge of establishing a collaborative relationship with national Institutions (such as the UNESCO National Commissions,) Governments, and Civil and Religious Organizations. Their task is to identify, collect and present the best practices promoted over the years in their respective countries, with the final aim of obtaining the recognition of the United World Week at the United Nations.

Who are we looking for ?

Young people between 18 and 30 years old who share a passion for universal fraternity and a united world, who are enthusiastic to learn more about international and intercultural relations and ways to have an impact by being global citizens, and by working together with others from all over the world.

Our activities and expectations: The ambassadors’ role

• Engage in an online formation program to be prepared to interact with international and other institutions.
• Collect good practices on concrete ways in which people are living for universal fraternity in our cities, countries or regions to show how a united world is possible.
• To be the spokesperson for New Humanity NGO and the United World project both locally and with the international institutions.
•  Active participation in the United World Ambassador Network, working with professionals from the New Humanity Offices all around the world and partner associations. Concretely as ambassadors we commit ourselves to learn, to share and to act for a united world. We commit ourselves to do this for at least two years to ensure the continuity of the program. In this way we make steps to realize change in our communities and in the international institutions and we have a chance to live valuable life and professional experiences together.

On Tuesday May 4th 2021, 20h-21h (Rome time) during the United World Week, we will hold a webinar on this call for those who are interested.

How to apply ?

Please fill out the application form (click here).

The application process will close on Friday June 4th 2021.

Do you have any questions ?

Contact us at: uwa@new-humanity.org

L'articolo Call for ‘United World Ambassadors’ proviene da New Humanity.

From 23 to 26 May, the EU citizens are called to elect the new the European Parliament.

In such an important moment for the old continent, the Focolare Movement, of which New Humanity is an expression in international institutions, has launched the “Europe, time for dialogue” campaign to propose the reasons for unity and advance solidarity in the political debate in view of the future of Europe.

Follow the “Europe, time for dialogue” campaign

L'articolo The Focolare Movement launches the campaign “Europe, Time for Dialogue” in view of the 2019 European elections proviene da New Humanity.