Durres 2012

[07/09/2012]

The 2012 Council of Europe Encounter on the religious dimension of Intercultural Dialogue brought together more than a hundred representatives of religious communities and non religious convictions in Dürres (Albania) on 3 and 4 September, as well as international youth organisations, media professionals and government representatives from the member states of the Council of Europe. They addressed the role of young people in the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue for the construction of tomorrow's Europe.

The Albanian minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sport,, M. Aldo Bumçi, represented the Albanian Presidency of the Committee of Ministers for this event. He underlined how important it was to hold this encounter in Albania, a country with a long tradition of harmonious relations between religions and cultures.

For the first time since these encounters began in 2008, young people were active participants and made a very valuable contribution to the debate. Participants emphasised that dialogue between different convictions and the role of young people in promoting tolerance and mutual comprehension and mutual understanding are of critical importance and are an exceptional opportunity for our societies. They emphasised the fact that it is not simply a matter of strengthening dialogue, but also of developing a dynamic approach and concrete cooperation between different convictions and cultures, as well as between generations.

The Encounter 2012 is very important among the activities of the organisation in respect of intercultural dialogue and is one in a series of encounters that have been organised since 2008. The choice of theme was also determined by the results of the campaign "Say no to discrimination" organised by the Council of Europe a few years ago.

https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?Ref=Exchange2012&Language=lanFrench&Site=CM