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.
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.
Ljubljana · host city of the series
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.
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
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
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
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.
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 · hostOrganiser of the series, based in Ljubljana and working across language, culture and community since its founding.
Mozaiky Platform
Czech RepublicWorking with migrant and local communities on dialogue, participation and mutual understanding.
Spoločná Cesta
SlovakiaBuilding shared spaces between migrant communities and Slovak civil society.
Dialogus Platform Egyesület
HungaryConvening dialogue between communities across Hungary’s cultural and religious lines.
Gephyres Irinis
GreeceBridges of peace — working with migrant communities and local partners across Greece.
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.
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.
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
- info@mkdia.org