About ICD

 

During the last decade, intercultural dialogue has taken a new meaning in the context of globalization and the international climate in politics. Intercultural learning has become a key work area in European youth training.

 

The European Commission has declared 2008 the year of Intercultural Dialogue (Decision No. 1983/2006/EC) and UNESCO has stated that one of its chief missions is to ensure space for and freedom of expression to all the world’s cultures. ICD is now on top of the political agendas.

 

It is an issue of vital importance for the sustainable development of our global society. Yet, knowing how much it is important doesn’t make it easier to know how to make it work. Human beings are inclined  to fear what is different and unfamiliar. Fear and mistrust of „otherness“ are often at the root of all conflicts.

 

In order to be able to have a true  dialogue, people need to learn how to overcome the fear of „otherness“ through understanding their own needs and the needs of others and analysing their assumptions about themselves and others. We need the tools to enable us to do this in order to achieve intercultural dialogue.