Women at the Heart of Hizmet | Leadership, Service & Civic Resilience How can women shape more resilient, inclusive, and dialogue-oriented societies? On 23 June 2026, the Intercultural Dialogue Platform had the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Sophia Pandya in Brussels for an inspiring roundtable discussion on women's leadership, service, and civic resilience. The conversation explored the evolving role of women within the Hizmet movement and beyond, addressing themes such as: Women’s leadership and civic engagement Service as a catalyst for social cohesion Building resilient communities through dialogue Overcoming barriers and empowering future generations The event brought together participants from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, creating a meaningful space for reflection, exchange, and mutual learning. One of the strongest messages of the day was that strengthening women's participation in civic life is not only a matter of equality but also essential for building more resilient and inclusive societies. We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Sophia Pandya for sharing her valuable insights, and to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a thoughtful and engaging discussion. Read the full event report here: dialogueplatform.eu/women-at… #WomenLeadership #CivicResilience #Dialogue #SocialCohesion #Hizmet #InterculturalDialogue #CivilSociety #Inclusion #Leadership

What does the future of EU competitiveness look like? 🇪🇺 Yesterday, we got closer to an answer. We had the opportunity to participate in the COMPASS Online Kick-Off Conference, organised by @StandUp4Europe_ and @ASATT_EU - bringing together 120+ participants from 9 EU countries to explore how young people can actively shape Europe's future across Tech & AI, Trade & Strategic Autonomy, Defence, Healthcare and Sustainability. EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, underscored the transformative potential of young people: "I have seen first-hand the incredible power of young people - in politics, in civil society, in business, and in climate action. I have seen their creativity, their commitment to change, and their ability to inspire others".

The Istanbul Convention is one of the most vital shields against gender-based violence. At the European Parliament, @assedelorg and @OthersInfo_TR have brought together experts, advocates, and policymakers to confront the growing challenges to women's rights across Europe. MEP @annastrolenberg highlighted: "What I am particularly worried about is this trend of young men who shift their perspective on women." 24% of Gen Z men believe women should not appear "too independent or self-sufficient" 31–33% of Gen Z men believe a wife should obey her husband 33% believe the husband should have the final word in important family decisions #IstanbulConvention #WomensRights #GenderEquality

How can the next EU long-term budget better support democracy? Today, we are participating in the Invest in What Matters event at the European Parliament. On the eve of crucial negotiations on the next EU long-term budget, this event brings together civil society organisations and Members of the European Parliament to exchange views, strengthen cooperation, and push for a budget that truly supports and protects democracy.

As part of the Virtuous project , we had the pleasure of interviewing @MPriv_o, theologian and Islamologist, drawing on his extensive experience in interfaith dialogue and community engagement. Together, we explored the role of places of worship today, what active participation in a religious community means on a personal level, how safety is perceived within these spaces, and how security can be strengthened without compromising openness and hospitality. To know more about the Virtuous project, visit: virtuousproject.eu

📌 The Intercultural Dialogue Platform Annual Activity Report 2025 is out! Explore our work over the past year, from Projects Implemented and Developed to Events Organised, Publications, and Participation in External Events. Read the full report: usercontent.one/wp/dialoguep…

We are pleased to share the highlights of the Intercultural Iftar Dinner 2026 at the European Parliament. Bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, faith representatives and academics, the evening reflected on “Human Rights in Action: Practising Our Shared Values for a Peaceful Tomorrow.” Hosted by @kvanbrempt, with contributions from @k_langensiepen and @LeolucaOrlando1 . In collaboration with @Fedactio, @OthersInfo, @RfPEurope, @StiftungDuB, @BddiOrg, @PlatformINS, @Istitutotevere , @ArcoForum and Chapel for Europe. You can read more about the event: dialogueplatform.eu/intercul… Watch the highlights: youtu.be/pi1983-i2bw #InterculturalDialogue #HumanRights #Solidarity #Ramadan #UnitedinDiversity