Opening event of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) - 07.01.2008 - 08.01.2008, Ljubljana

(2008 01 07 15:48)

The year 2008 has been designated as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Slovenia, as the first of the presiding states in 2008, has prepared  the opening event of the Year on the Community level in co-operation with the European Commission. Various events were held at Cankarjev dom, Cultural and Congress Centre in Ljubljana.

 

The most important event on the level of formal discussion was the Conference of representatives of European Civil Society from the fields of Culture and Art, Science and Education, Media and Sustainable Economic Development. The conference entitled Intercultural Dialogue as the Fundamental Value of the EU  was devoted entirely to issues regarding the Intercultural Dialogue within the European Union and along its borders, since these issues are some of the main priorities of the Union in 2008.

Guests were welcomed by Dr Danilo Türk, President of the Republic of Slovenia, and Mr Jan Figel, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth. Opening speeches were delivered by Dr Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament, Dr Edvard Kovač, professor of ethics and cultural anthropology, and Mr Janez Janša, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia.

In his opening speech, the European Commissioner for Education, Training,  Culture and Youth, Mr Jan Figel emphasised that diversity and change are two pillars of European integration. AS a result of globalisation, demographic movements and migration flows, contacts between European cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions are increasing. Europe is aware of the challenges of the 21st century, which is reflected in the reform movements of the Lisbon Strategy. Its goal is to create a Europe of social inclusion, peace and success. The Year of Intercultural Dialogue gives Europeans the opportunity to discuss this issue and to raise awareness among the citizens, especially young people. However, this dialogue will not finish when 2008 ends. A long-term EU priority is to prepare a sustainable strategy in this area, for instance, the newly-established EU Agency for Fundamental Rights will, in co-operation with the Member States and civil society, strengthen its fight against racism and intolerance.

 

 

Prime Minister of the RS and President of the Council of the EU Janez Janša stressed in his opening address, the significance of an in-depth discussion on the importance of culture that must take place within the EU
itself as well as with everyone outside its borders. “More and more we find that the forefathers of a Unified Europe were right: for the complete success of the project of European integration, the large common market and impressive economic growth will not suffice – we must constantly strengthen the cultural and spiritual dimension of Europe as well,” Therefore, the European Union is planning to celebrate the richness of its diverse cultures this year, to highlight creativity and to support projects that facilitate integration, awareness-raising and research of European cultural heritage, asserted Prime Minister Janša, adding that it is from this heritage that the universal values of modern Europe emerged: freedom, fairness, equality, rule of law and the protection of human rights: “The power of the European Union was always that it respected differences and diversity on the basis of universal human rights and values”

 

The conference  was organised by the Faculty of Humanities (Koper), University of Primorska, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and the European Commission.

 

More info on the Presidency’s website.

 

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