Dialogue across cultures and religions

Dialogue is a way of communicating which focuses on understanding the other side rather than convincing others that you are right. Yet, as dialogue has become a major political slogan, there is a risk that the word will lose any significance beyond political conversation, debates or public discourse. But dialogue is not just a distinct method; it represents a specific approach and perspective on conflict resolution. The Oslo Center views dialogue as a precondition for successful mediation and negotiation. Meaningful and relevant dialogue processes must nevertheless be built on principles: it must include the real parties; it must be properly rooted; and it must be safe in the sense that the real issues of the conflicts can be brought to the table in full confidentiality.

Religion can be an efficient conflict mobilizer. It can also be a resource for peace. This is why the Oslo Center has defined inter-religious dialogue as one of its main pillars. Too many interventions are processed on the high political level without the necessary political and social anchoring. In many parts of the world, religious leaders represent considerable constituencies in the civil society. By including religious communities and their leaders in peace processes we can contribute to anchoring the peace process much better.

This programme contains these projects:

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.