Participatory dialogue

Offers an overview of social integration and related concepts, explores the role and principles of participatory dialogue in creating more socially cohesive societies, and provides practical examples of dialogue use and dialogic tools. It also reviews global trends influencing social integration dynamics, and examines what elements are essential to creating societies that are resilient with respect to social tensions/disintegration. Relates to the consensus reached at the 1995 World Summit for Social Development, the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action placing people at the center of concerns for development, Member States making a commitment to promoting social integration by fostering societies that are stable, safe, just and tolerant, and that respect diversity. Participatory dialogue is put forth as a policy tool to enable citizens to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and shape their common future and is considered part of building more cohesive societies as well as building peace, including in post-conflict societies