Thematic priority 2: Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations

The March 2024 document on Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations mentions:

Martijn, within the Living Library initiative, facilitates unexpected encounters and genuine dialogue between people with diverse backgrounds. For example, arranging sessions where individuals from different cultural or generational backgrounds share their life experiences. Ismahane: Ismahane specialises as an intercultural and intergenerational communications trainer. She conducts workshops and training sessions aimed at improving dialogue andunderstanding between different cultural and age groups.

Public policies, growing polarisation within society, emphasising the urgent need for dialogue as a means to bridge divides. policy documents are de Leidraad Dialoog produced by the national government, the programme Dialogue and Ethics implemented in national government institutions, and a policy initiative by a national knowledge platform on the importance of dialogue to reduce polarisation in society.

We clicked the links and found the following relevant information:

Leidraad Dialoog states: Het voeren van een dialoog vraagt veel capaciteit,organisatiekracht en deskundigheid – van alle partijen. Is de organisatie niet bereid echt te investeren, dan is dat een groot risico.

Executing dialogue requires much capacity, organisational power and expertise of all parties. If no investment is made in these areas, then that is a substantial risk.

Comments AWF: AWF has expertise for discussions on Muslim-non-Muslim relations and the Israel-Palestineconflict that divides sentiments in the Netherlands but AWF lacks capacity. The capacity in the ALF network has not been explored. AWF seeks the appointment of Romana Moussa who can explore the capacities of other network members. The Leidraad Dialoog also states that dialogue needs to operate in a conductive political environment. Dutch government and the majority of political parties favours a two-state solution which is also the line of AWF, yet we note a discrepancy between Dutch government policy towards the Israel-Palestine war, continuation of Dutch solidarity with Israel and the majority of civil society in the Netherlands that believes Israeli responses to the October 7 massacre andkidnapping Israeli citizens is excessive and hence various forms of boycott are neededwhich pushes defenders of Israel in a defensive position.

Dialogue and Ethics is a government program supporting organisations and teams thatwork on an open and safe discussion culture with ethical reflections. We should contactthem. We should include the 2017 findings of “the importance of dialogue to reducepolarisation in society” and their 2022 report Maak Ruimte (Make Space) in our ownplanning and can contact the authors. Capacity is currently lacking.

The March 2024 document on Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations mentions:

Programmes developed by the national Expertise Unit Social Stability, the nationalknowledge platform inclusive societies, and a national website which gathers learning andsupport offers for municipalities on social stability, it’s primarily focused on local governments. Attempts at fostering dialogue, such as discussions on agriculture or colonial history, have often been ineffective due to a lack of participatory approaches.

Comments AWF: the Expertise Unit Social Stability wrote a report for municipalities in how to deal with tensions and polarization in Dutch society around the conflict Israël and Palestinian areas. We need to include this report and other reports in our planning.

The March 2024 document on Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations mentions:

There are numerous local initiatives promoting dialogue, including governmental programs like Utrecht in Dialoog. Libraries are increasingly becoming hubs for dialogue facilitation, providing neutral spaces where community members can engage in constructive conversations on various topics.

Comments AWF: no list of contacts were provided. The Hague Humanity Hub is ready to help us with connections in The Hague. We would appreciate other network members to inform us about similar connections to local initiatives. Can these network members contact local initiatives and inform the national network about this? Our work should be acollaboral effort.

The March 2024 document on Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations mentions:

● Various NGOs, such as the Humanistisch Verbond, are actively involved in dialogue initiatives, leveraging their expertise and networks to promote understanding and cooperation. Governmental agencies like ESS and Dienst Publiek en Communicatie playcrucial roles in supporting and coordinating dialogue efforts at different levels.

Comments AWF: We agree, we know the Humanistisch Verbond but need moresuggestions with contacts and need support of all network members to contact as many ofthese organisations as possible.

The March 2024 document on Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations mentions: The ALF questionnaire the GMOP responded to asked: “Please identify potential partners, highlighting their added value in relation to this thematic priority.” The GMOP wrote:Local Initiatives: Partnerships with initiatives like Utrecht in Dialoog can offer access to theirestablished networks and resources, enhancing the effectiveness and reach of dialogueactivities.

● Libraries: Collaborations with libraries, such as OBA huis van alle talen, provide opportunities to leverage their community spaces and resources for dialogueevents.

Comments AWF: We are, since October 1, a member of The Hague Humanity Hub. They are ready to help us with access to their established networks and resources. On September 17, Romana Moussa and Kees Hulsman met project employees religious organisations of the Municipality of The Hague. Network members are asked to help with other local initiatives.

The March 2024 document on Dialogue Between Cultures and Generations mentions:

NGOs: Organisations like the Humanistisch Verbond, with their large constituency and expertise in dialogue facilitation, can be valuable partners in scaling up dialogue initiatives.

The ALF questionnaire the GMOP responded to asked: “Please identify potential nationaland international funding opportunities related to this thematic priority.” The GMOP wrote:

Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers funding opportunities for projectspromoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.

● Local Foundations and Funds:Local foundations like Fonds1818 provide financial support for community-basedinitiatives, including those focused on dialogue and cultural exchange.

Comments AWF: We should explore the crowdfunding support Fonds 1818 provides.Crowdfunding that matches the objectives of Fonds 1818 can obtain a maximum of 40% ofthe amount needed. Other network members are asked to help with other suggestions andcontacts.