Organising intercultural and interreligious activities: a toolkit for local authorities - Resolution 397(2016)

The report focuses on the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue as a means to prevent radicalisation within the current context of rising extremism and the strategy developed by the Congress to combat radicalisation at grassroots’ level. For this purpose the rapporteurs propose a range of tools for use by local authorities and their national and regional associations when organising intercultural and interreligious activities, including a toolkit, which will comprise digital information resources and will be made available in 36 languages through a dedicated website.

The rapporteurs recommend that local governments, as public authorities closest to the citizens, reflect their commitment to bring different communities together in their social, educational, sports and cultural policies. Awareness-raising, prevention and educational activities such as training programs for local officials, “anti-rumour” campaigns, debates and cultural events on intercultural and interreligious issues are recommended for local authorities. Cities and regions are encouraged to exchange good practices on existing initiatives.