Her Excellency Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, delivered an address at a conference organized by the International Relations Consulting Network & Lobbying (IRCNL) at the European Parliament headquarters held on June 19th in the Belgian capital Brussels entitled “Constructive Dialogue in an Age of Conflict”.
 
The event, which was attended by senior diplomats, dignitaries, academics, and experts from around the world, sought to facilitate intercultural dialogue through diplomacy to advance human development and bring about sustainable peace.
 
Her Excellency noted that cultures are in a constant state of evolution and change, especially in light of an increasingly globalized world. She also highlighted common misconceptions about intercultural dialogue; namely that such interaction would ultimately lead to erosion of cultural identity. This false pretense has prompted some cultures to follow a policy of isolationism to protect themselves from this supposed eventuality.
 
“The key to such dialogue is having respect, first and foremost, for other people’s cultures, and making a genuine effort to understand where they are coming from. This approach will make long-held stereotypes go away so we can see the others for who they truly are.”
 
Her Excellency stressed that serious steps must be taken towards achieving this vision, as opposed to the usual lip service and symbolic gestures. She also underlined that such efforts must engage the youth, proposed conducting a series of forums between European and Arab youth within the context of cultural exchange and interaction.
 
Lastly, Her Excellency Shaikha Mai noted that such an ambitious project requires direct and personal contact in order to make it happen. According to her, remote communication channels made possible by modern technologies exclude the element of human intimacy needed for real and effective cultural dialogue.
 
“When dialogue is built on a solid foundation of peace, only then can it be truly constructive,” she concluded.

http://www.moc.gov.bh/en/MinistryNews/News/June2013/Name,9741,en.html