Though written more than 160 years ago, Dickens might well have been describing our world today – a time marked by striking contradictions. Today’s challenges seem overwhelming – with conflicts, climate crisis, inequalities, and increasing social tensions. At the same time, we are at great momentum for change, cooperation and progress. With the first half of 2025 behind us, we find ourselves in the middle of a year of anniversaries, highlighting both how far we have come and how far we still must go. Keep reading to find out more about some of the anniversaries that we and our partners are celebrating this year.
 

This is also a special year for us at the Europe Region Unit as we prepare for the 6th European Policy Dialogue Forum (EPDF) – our flagship event in Europe, which we will hold in Geneva in November. Recognising that interreligious and intercultural dialogue are vital in addressing Europe’s divisions and strengthening social cohesion in an increasingly multi-faith and multicultural continent, the EPDF brings together religious leaders and actors, policymakers, experts and other key stakeholders to build common understanding, share concerns, identify opportunities to cooperate, and to work towards collective solutions.
 

Follow us on our journey to Geneva and, as always, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether we have connected before or are just beginning the conversation, we look forward to engaging with you. This is a conversation with, rather than about, others.
 

Warm wishes from Lisbon, 
The Europe Region Team

 

 

 

In ancient Greek, the term polis referred not merely to a city, but to a living political and social community. Its true distinction lies not only in whether it was governed democratically or oligarchically, but in the principle of isonomy – the idea that all free citizens were equally subject to the same laws. 

These laws were seen as reflections of a universal order, aligning the city’s justice with the harmony of the cosmos.
 

This profound connection between the individual and the polis made participation in public life not just a duty but a path to personal fulfilment and a way to celebrate the inherent spiritual dimension of living together. The agora – the public square – was the beating heart of this vision, a space where citizens gathered to discuss the concerns of the city-state and collaboratively explore solutions.
 

The 6th EPDF echoes this spirit. It is a modern agora – a space where people of diverse faiths, convictions and sectors come together to engage in dialogue for the benefit of the polis, the common good and our collective future. Here, policy is not merely technical; it is deeply human, rooted in shared values and mutual responsibility.
 

The Forum seeks to explore how interreligious and intercultural dialogue can serve as the missing link in today’s efforts to strengthen social cohesion and climate justice. It aims to highlight the unique role that religious leaders and actors can play as connectors and bridge-builders – members of society who can help transcend divisions based on common values of peace and fraternity. 

At its core, the Forum is about encouraging deeper collaboration between secular and faith-based actors, across different cultural and religious traditions and perspectives, grounded in a common ethical commitment to a more just, inclusive and sustainable Europe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the EPDF, we like to talk about social cohesion, climate justice, equity, equal opportunities, human rights, interreligious and intercultural dialogue, fraternity, human dignity, participatory governance... and that’s just before the first coffee break. But let’s be honest: these powerful words can mean different things to different people, according to their cultural contexts and experiences. That’s why we have created the EPDF Annotated Glossary – not a dry list of definitions, but a living space where we unpack what these terms mean to us and invite you to do the same. Think of it as our shared vocabulary-in-progress, a tool to build mutual understanding and inspire joint action. Keep an eye on this space, and feel free to send us your thoughts. 

After all, if we want to walk the talk together, we better agree on what we’re talking about.

 

 

 

 

For 80 years, the United Nations has led global diplomacy, addressing conflict, humanitarian needs, and climate change. As the world faces new crises, this anniversary is more than a milestone – it is a call for unity and collective action in a deeply divided world.

 

Thirty years ago, the Beijing Declaration set a bold agenda for gender equality. While it spurred global progress, challenges remain. This anniversary celebrates achievements and reinforces the need to close gaps in leadership, wages, and fundamental rights so every woman and girl can thrive.

 

With the climate crisis worsening, COP 30 could mark a crucial moment for global action. Held in Brazil – home to the Amazon rainforest – the summit will address key issues like deforestation, emissions, and biodiversity, with urgent decisions needed to meet global targets.

 

Held every 25 years, the Catholic Jubilee is a time for reflection, forgiveness, and renewal. The 2025 Jubilee, themed “Pilgrims of Hope,” invites millions to take part in spiritual journeys and acts of compassion, offering a moment of connection and renewal in uncertain times.

 

Nostra Aetate reshaped the Catholic Church’s relationship with other religions, fostering interfaith dialogue. As religious tensions persist globally, this anniversary highlights the ongoing need for respect, collaboration, and understanding among faiths.

 

In 325, the First Council of Nicaea established core principles of Christian faith, including the Nicene Creed. Its decisions addressed theological disputes, helped unify early Christian doctrine, and shaped its theological foundations. 

 

For 60 years, the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality) have guided humanitarian efforts worldwide. As global crises grow, these principles remain essential for delivering impartial aid across political and national lines.

 

The European Buddhist Union (EBU) is an international umbrella association of Buddhist organisations and national Buddhist unions in Europe, founded in 1975. During its anniversary event, EBU has explored how Buddhism in Europe is evolving amid social, cultural, and technological transformation.

 

Join this global initiative that brings together religious leaders, educators, and dialogue practitioners from diverse faiths and cultures. KAICIID's International Fellows Programme offers professional development and capacity-building opportunities to support participants in advancing interreligious and intercultural dialogue in their communities and beyond. 

 

Applications are open until 31 July. Don’t miss this opportunity!

 

 

 

 

Learn more about the Committees work here and watch the webinar For a Permanent Platform on Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue at the Council of Europe.

 

 

 

 

If you are receiving this newsletter, it is because you participated in one of the events or initiatives organized by the KAICIID Europe Region since 2022. The contents of this email message and any attachments are confidential and are intended solely for addressee. The information may also be legally privileged. This transmission is sent in trust, for the sole purpose of delivery to the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, any use, reproduction or dissemination of this transmission is strictly prohibited.