SCHWARZKOPF FOUNDATION ORGANISES EUROPEAN STUDENT CONFERENCE ON RELIGION IN EUROPE
 
In recent years, the role of religion in European society has become a topic of revived political and academic interest. Key issues include the future of multiculturalism and the status of religious communities, but also the varying interpretations of European secularism.
The discussion on further EU enlargement has re-invigorated these debates, posing the question whether European heritage is constituted by Christian beliefs, secular values, or simply by a set of political principles. Furthermore, in the wider international context, the need for dialogue between different cultures and religious groups has assumed a new importance.
 
In order to allow young Europeans to explore these issues in group discussions and plenary debates, the Heinz Schwarzkopf Foundation Young Europe will hold a European student conference from 17 to 22 February 2004 in Berlin under the heading Religion in Europe: its Impact on Civil Society.
The event is supported by the European Commission Representation in Germany, the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hertie Foundation, the Haniel Foundation, the Robert Bosch Foundation, the Federal Agency for Civic Education, the German Youth Press and the Alliance for Democracy and Tolerance. It will bring together 80 university students and young professionals from about 35 different countries.

By means of a mixture of serious discussions and informal activities, the participants will initiate an inter-cultural dialogue on important political questions, and thereby be able to learn from each other as well as from established experts in these areas.
 
The conference consists of different elements, which altogether provide an interesting mixture of activities, allowing participants to explore the issue from several angles:

• Group work: people will be divided into eight working groups, each of which is dedicated to one particular topic.
• Public debate: each working group will draft a document reflecting the members consensus and featuring precise political demands. On the event s final day, these papers will be presented and debated in the state parliament of Berlin.
• Academia: in addition to the group work, academics and politicians will provide fresh impulses by means of lectures, panel discussions and hearings .
• Getting to know each other: complementary to the group-work sessions and academic elements, a social programme will be organised. Teambuilding activities on the first conference days will help to establish bonds of trust between the members of each working group. Accommodation and meals will be provided for all participants.

The organising committee consists of students and recent graduates from different European countries. Each working group will be supported by an experienced (but nonetheless young) facilitator. In addition to this, a young team of journalists from "Politik Orange" will attend the event and produce a paper as a form of documentation.

The Schwarzkopf Foundation is glad to organise an event which will open up new angles of dialogue for young Europeans whilst covering a number of important current questions.

Heinz Schwarzkopf Stiftung "Junges Europa"
Sophienstraße 28-29
10178 Berlin
GERMANY
Tel: +49-(0)30-280 95 146
Fax: +49-(0)30- 280 95 15
Email: » info@heinz-schwarzkopf-stiftung.de