Dialogue across cultures and religions

It is difficult to advocate dialogue at a time when the concept is presented as naïve and without real meaning. The Oslo Center, however, perceives dialogue as a distinct tool and a form of communication that focuses on creating understanding between the parties in conflict.

A dialogue does not aim at creating consensus, but experience shows that a well organized dialogue may create grounds for common solutions - often new and creative - which the parties have jointly developed. The dialogue aims at building understanding of “the other”. Through dialogue trust is established. This is essential for the parties that negotiate concrete solutions. Dialogue is therefore often a prerequisite for successful mediation.

The Oslo Center has a specific focus on the relationship between religion and politics. Religion can reinforce a conflict, but it can also create peace. Many peace processes often lack the necessary political and social anchoring needed to be sustainable. In many parts of the world faith communities and religious leaders often represent an important part of civil society. By including religious communities and their leaders, we can contribute to anchoring the peace processes better.
 

Faith and Politics

There is a need for more knowledge about the dialectic between faith and the formulation of political agendas. And it is a need for better communications and contact between people of different religious, political and cultural affiliations. In this project the Oslo Center creates meeting places for such dialogue together with it’s partners.

Code of Holy Sites

Holy sites continue to be centres for conflicts and disputes. The Oslo Center aims to develop a written code of Holy Sites to protect sacred spaces and locations for religious worship also during conflicts. The Code aims also to be a tool in preventing conflicts as well as resolving disputes related to holy sites.