Dialogue Talks 2026–2027 | Intercultural Dialogue for Inclusive Societies | MKD
Ljubljana · October 2026 – May 2027

Dialogue Talks 2026–2027

Intercultural dialogue for inclusive societies: confronting extremism. Three international panel discussions bringing together migrant-led associations from Central Europe and Greece.

3 panel discussions 5 partner organisations 5 countries Hosted in Ljubljana
Counting down to Dialogue Talk I

Friday, 23 October 2026

The series opens in Ljubljana with the first of three international panels.

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Why this initiative

Dialogue as an answer to division

In recent years we have watched social polarisation rise across Europe with growing concern. Divisions drawn along lines of religion, ethnic identity or political conviction have shaped not only public debate but the daily lives of migrants and the communities they live alongside.

As migrant-led associations, we hold that dialogue and cooperation remain the most effective response to those divisions — and that the work is best done in the same room, in person, across borders.

The Triple Bridge over the Ljubljanica river in central Ljubljana

Ljubljana · host city of the series

The programme

Three conversations,
one question

Each panel takes the same central question into a different field: how intercultural dialogue can build resilience against extremism, and what that resilience looks like in practice.

Dialogue Talk I 23 October 2026 Friday

Building resilience against extremism

The opening panel examines the role of intercultural dialogue in strengthening communities against extremist narratives, beginning with religion-based polarisation.

Venue and programme to be announced

Dialogue Talk II 14 January 2027 Thursday

Building youth resilience

The second panel turns to young people: how dialogue reaches those most exposed to recruitment and division, and what schools, families and associations can offer.

Venue and programme to be announced

Dialogue Talk III Spring 2027 Thursday · date to be confirmed

Social cohesion in the digital age

Responding to online polarisation and extremism — the closing panel addresses the arena where division now spreads fastest and dialogue is hardest to sustain.

One of the following dates 29 April 2027 6 May 2027 13 May 2027

Why this topic

Faith as a dividing line —
and as common ground

The first theme we have chosen is religion-based polarisation. We see religion increasingly put to work as a factor of division in our societies. Yet our own experience tells us the opposite is equally possible: faith is also a source of peace, solidarity and mutual respect.

Challenge prejudice

Bring assumptions into the open where they can be examined rather than repeated.

Promote understanding

Put people in the same room who rarely meet, and give the conversation structure.

Strengthen communities

Turn single events into working relationships that outlast the panel itself.

Who we are

Five migrant-led organisations

Each association has long been active in intercultural dialogue, working with local citizens and migrant communities alike — among them communities of Turkish background and many other nationalities. Our shared purpose is to build bridges, reduce prejudice, and create spaces where people meet, listen and learn from one another.

Društvo Medkulturni Dialog

Slovenia · host

Organiser of the series, based in Ljubljana and working across language, culture and community since its founding.

Mozaiky Platform

Czech Republic

Working with migrant and local communities on dialogue, participation and mutual understanding.

Spoločná Cesta

Slovakia

Building shared spaces between migrant communities and Slovak civil society.

Dialogus Platform Egyesület

Hungary

Convening dialogue between communities across Hungary’s cultural and religious lines.

Gephyres Irinis

Greece

Bridges of peace — working with migrant communities and local partners across Greece.

About the consortium

Different countries,
strikingly similar ground

This initiative was born within the Migrant-Led Associations Platform, which brings us together as organisations representing diverse migrant communities. Though based in different countries, our contexts rhyme closely: the most widespread religion in each is Catholic Christianity, we share a Central European setting, and we face comparable questions about how migrants are perceived and included.

Apart

Each association advocates for intercultural dialogue within its own country, on its own resources, addressing its own public.

Together

We amplify one another’s voices, build a stronger regional conversation, and lay the groundwork for future international projects confronting polarisation across Europe.

An invitation

Take part in the conversation

For panellists

We are inviting contributors to join these panels and bring their perspective to the table. Your contribution will help shape the discussion rather than simply illustrate it.

Researchers, practitioners, community leaders, educators and journalists working on polarisation, migration or interfaith dialogue are all welcome to get in touch.

For participants

The talks are open to anyone with an interest in how communities hold together under pressure — students, civil-society workers, public servants and neighbours alike.

We hope this series marks the beginning of sustained exchange between our countries, leading to stronger networks and lasting cooperation.

Get involved

Join us in Ljubljana

Write to us to take part as a panellist, to attend, or to follow the series as it develops. We will confirm venues and full programmes for each talk closer to the date.

Organiser
Društvo Medkulturni Dialog
Address
Rimska cesta 2b, 1000 Ljubljana