In recent decades, conflict resolution and dialogue have become very frequent topics in social sciences. Conflicts in workplaces, relationships with family members and friends, in communities, institutions and nations are gaining more and more attention by many disciplines. A large number of studies, often interdisciplinary, address the negative impact of conflicts both in micro (e.g. psychosocial relations, families and education) and macro contexts (e.g. socio-economic and political development of institutions and states).

The study of the methodological implications of the different forms of conflicts has provoked increasing interest in many disciplines: psychology, economics, sociology, education and media studies, management and organizational studies, human rights and so on. Today’s multi-faith and multicultural society has to cope with a global challenge: mutual understanding and resolving conflicts. In our contemporary world, dialogue is hailed as a progressive necessary force, and is heralded as the main currency of statecraft, diplomacy, negotiation, mediation and peace-building. Hence, experts from different backgrounds agreed that it is imperative to explore intercultural and interreligious dialogue as key to promote mutual understanding among people, cultures, institutions and religions.

Starting from the analysis of tangible and symbolic meanings of dialogue, the Promoters invite all interested parties to propose original contributions that explore, from different perspectives, practices, pathways and processes related to respect, diversity management, mutual understanding, conflict resolution and peace building.