CDRSEE participates in the annual Alpbach Forum

With the broad theme of ‘Emergence’ as this year’s focus, the European Forum, Alpbach took place between August 16th –September 1st , at which the CDRSEE delivered a speech within the session on ‘Europe as a mediator in the dialogue of civilisations’.

Director Nenad Sebek highlighted the capacity of the Joint History Project as a vehicle  for mediation and reconciliation between cultures, through positing numerous questions to the participants about the current ‘clash of civilisations’ and Europe’s potential roles and responsibilities.

 Highlighting the importance of an attitude that recognises the shortcomings of one’s own national or regional past, as well as the pivotal attribute of being able to think and reflect critically on one’s own prejudices and labels, the speech not only outlined the JHP’s relevance, but also stressed the often overlooked facet of dialogue; that is, to not only talk, but also listen.  Europe’s role as a mediator between conflicts or disagreements, he noted, can only be as effective as Europe is at maintaining true dialogue within itself.

Attended by leaders from the social, economic, cultural and political spheres as well as technology, business and health, the Forum is in its 63rd year and involves the cross-cutting theme of overcoming ideological and disciplinary barriers towards cooperation and synergy.

In addition to participation in the session, Mr Sebek presented a copy of the JHP Workbooks to the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr Zalmay Khalilzad

Director of the CDRSEE, Mr Nenad Sebek presents a set of the JHP books to US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr Zalmay Khalilzad.