WFWP would like to invite you to a Special Event at the European Parliament

“Engaging Civil Society to Build Security and Cohesion in Europe”

March 7, 2016

Dear colleagues and friends,

We are very pleased to a invite you to a special event at the European Parliament on June 29, 2016, hosted by European Parliamentarian, Flavio Zanonato. Within the larger theme of “Engaging Civil Society to Build Security and Cohesion in Europe”, there will be two sessions:

14:30- 15:30 Session I: Role of women and mothers in the prevention of youth radicalization. 16:00- 17:30 Session II: Role of intercultural/ interreligious cooperation and education to build security and cohesion in Europe.

The WFWPI has been organizing conferences and engaged in advocacy at United Nations and government venues in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Local programs and projects in more than 110 nations have been created -that promote prevention, reconciliation, education for peace, women’s empowerment, youth leadership training and humanitarian activities. There are active chapters in 30 nations in Europe.

Europe is at a crossroad. We are being confronted with demands to open wide our doors and share our home and our rights. The founding principles of our union, as well as our personal convictions make us want to respond generously, but find our capacities and sometimes our patience overwhelmed. Yet, looming are the serious concerns related to the successful integration of our increasingly multicultural societies. If done well, the benefits all around are great, but if not, the sense of exclusion and dissatisfaction can be a breeding ground for more serious concerns.

Governments alone cannot solve these issues. Our concern and our engagement has to begin in civil society, within each family. Radicalization, or any disengagement from social and democratic participation happens over time and is preventable. We can only imagine what positive impact that same radicalized individual might have had in society if those energies were funneled constructively. The underlying desire of our youth is to be relevant, to make a difference. How can we work together to provide those opportunities?

WFWPI UN Office /WFWP-Europe Regional Office. In General Consultative Status the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations Rue de Lausanne 46, 1206: Geneva, Switzerland. Email: c.handschin@wfwp.org Tel: +41 (0)21 728 8812; +41 (0)792503477; Website: www.wfwp.org; WFWP Europe Facebook

Parents, especially mothers have a unique access to preventive solutions, and, with training, could do more. Our religious and cultural influences and the authorities representing them also have an important responsibility to provide a vision and model for peaceful, cohesive communities. Similarly, our educational institutions, and the curricula that frame them will play a significant role in providing incentive for good citizenship and wise governance – or not.

Is our current course in Europe, even our application of Human Rights standards, taking us towards a social environment that reflects the United Nations Founding vision of one “Human Family” that makes all efforts to “leave no one behind”?

This conference will look at these questions from diverse elements of society and expertise, including the voices of youth. We hope that you will be able to bring in your specific local or global knowledge and best practices to broaden our debate and recommendations.

Very sincerely,

Mr. Flavio Zanonato Ms. Carolyn Handschin Member of EU Parliament- Italy President WFWP-Europe