Council of Europe Exchange Strasbourg The role of education in the prevention of radicalisation leading to terrorism and violent extremism Sub-theme 1: Education for democratic citizenship in the context of cultural and religious diversity Council of Europe Exchange Strasbourg 09 November 2016 Dr Peter Schreiner Comenius-Institut Thank your very much for the invitation to introduce the first sub-theme of our Exchange. It is a privilege and a pleasure for me because I would describe myself as a supporter supporter of the Exchange initiative.

Introduction: Exchange & Dialogue Overview Introduction: Exchange & Dialogue Sub-theme 1: Education for democratic citizenship Cultural and religious diversity EDC/HRE as a focus of the CoE Role of religious communities Key Challenges and Questions This are my points I want to briefly mention in my introduction

1. Introduction Exchange & Dialogue - Themes Strasbourg 2008 & 2009: Teaching religious and convictional facts Ohrid 2010: Media, beliefs and religion Luxembourg 2011: Interreligious dialogue and the role of media Durrës 2012: Taking responsibility for tomorrow‘s Europe: the role of young people in the religious dimension of intercultural dialogue Yerevan 2013: Freedom of Religion in Today‘s World: Challenges and Guarantees Baku 2014: Intercultural dialogue: interaction between culture and religion Sarajevo 2015: Building inclusive societies together Strasbourg 2016: The role of education in the prevention of radicalisation leading to terrorism and violent extremism Let me remind you to the history of the Exchange so far. It started in 2008 and 2009 with meetings In Strasbourg, followed by annual meetings in different places in Europe. . Concerning the themes we started with the complex issue of teaching religious and convictional dacts, in the following years the role of the media were highlighted, a special concern was given to the role of young people, freedom of religion and intercultural dialogue as other crucial issues and also the common task of building inclusive societies together. It shows that our theme this year is embedded in broader concern.

Council of Europe education aims and objectives Preparation for sustainable employment Preparation for life as active citizens in democratic societies Personal development Development and maintenance, through teaching, learning and research, of a broad advanced knowledge base It leads us first of all to the question of what is education about. From the view of the religious communities a comprenensive of edcucation is mentioned that is not only focussed on employability and flexibility but that also see the need to promote educatio nas a tool for personal development, ethical and religious education and non measurable aspects of the human being. This is in line with the road understandign that provides the groudn and basis the CoE activities in education.

2. Sub-theme 1 Education for Democratic Citizenship in the Context of cultural and religious plurality Education for Democratic Citizenship lifelong process Formal, non-formal and informal education/learning Cultural and religious plurality: General guidelines; more dialogue and cooperation between existing forms; interreligious learning; dealing with plurality Religious diversity as an aspect of “living together” Culture and religion Initiatives for EDC have a long tradition.

3. EDC definition (Charter 2010) “Education for democratic citizenship’ means education, training, awareness-raising, information, practices and activities which aim, by equipping learners with knowledge, skills and understanding and developing their attitudes and behaviour, to empower them to exercise and defend their democratic rights and responsibilities in society, to value diversity and to play an active part in democratic life, with a view to the promotion and protection of democracy and the rule of law.”

3. EDC definition (Charter 2010) “Education for democratic citizenship’ means education, training, awareness-raising, information, practices and activities which aim, by equipping learners with knowledge, skills and understanding and developing their attitudes and behaviour, to empower them to exercise and defend their democratic rights and responsibilities in society, to value diversity and to play an active part in democratic life, with a view to the promotion and protection of democracy and the rule of law.”

Activities in Intercultural dialogue & education Dimension of religions and non-religious convictions within intercultural education (2008) White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue „Living together as equals in dignity“ (2008) Signposts – Policy and practice for teaching about religions and non religious world cviews in intercultural education (2014) Competences for Democratic Culture (2016)

4. Role of Religious Communities There are considerable overlaps between the Council of Europes’ agenda and the concerns of religious communities: human rights, democratic citizenship, the promotion of values, peace, dialogue, education and solidarity (2008: White Paper, p. 21) The values upheld by the Council of Europe stem from the values of the three monotheistic religions (2005: Education and religion)

Imagine a Europe…

Imagine a Europe… That is fair for all, that respects diversity and shares responsibility in solidarity With a fair migration policy which welcomes and protects migrants and refugees United in diversity, founded on democracy Where we all live more simply so that others may simply live That respects the earth that we live in and the heavens above Participatory and sustainable Europe Where everyone can realise their human rights, fulfil their potential and live free from want That cares for its most vulnerable people

5. Key Challenges & Questions Building an evidence base and ‚joining up‘ intelligence on EDC Closing the implementation gap between policy and practice in EDC Ensuring sustainability and collaboration in EDC David Kerr (2011): The EWC Statement Series, First Issue, 14-17

5. Questions & perspectives How can education help develop an understanding of the role of religious and non-religious world views in modern European societies? How can education encourage citizens – especially young people – to develop and critically examine their own world views and their relationship to democratic values? How can education help counter radicalisation leading to terrorism and violent extremism claiming to be founded on extremist world views while fostering a broader understanding of the diversity of world views in society? How can education for democratic citizenship best contribute to it? From Exchange to robust Cooperation: How can we establish a structured and sustainable partnership and dialogue between the Council of Europe and the religious communities to promote EDC and intercultural dialogue in the different contexts of Europe? What specific contributions can be offered by religious communities and non-religious world views to support and share the aims of EDC/HRE activities of the Council of Europe?  

Thank you for your attention !