Project countries
The project has a global geographical scope in terms of participation and includes countries whose societies can be defined as multicultural or pluralistic, where citizens are finding ways to deal with the challenges of diversity in everyday life. The six selected project countries are ‘case studies’ that offer in-depth exploration of the six project themes. Each thematic group of GERIS Network members will visit one project country to engage with a range of stakeholders and get to know some of the EU-funded initiatives.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Active citizenship)
Our 'Active citizenship, belonging and identity' group, made of 13 civil society representatives and three journalists, visited Bosnia and Herzegovina from 10 to 17 October 2021. The group met a wide array of local civil society actors, media people and representatives from various State and local-level institutions. Among other, the group met the FBiH Council of National Minorities, OKC Abrašević, Inter-Religious Council in BiH, Samir Beharic, Women's Network BiH, RS Secretariat for Religions and many others.
The group had the opportunity to see, besides Sarajevo, the cities of Mostar, Banja Luka, Jajceas well the village of Krušica.
United States of America (Being a minority)
From 28 November to 5 December, the members of the 'Being a minority: Challenge of being a minority, tolerance, and respect for diversity as a solution' thematic group visited the United States of America, more precisely the city of Atlanta with a brief trip to Montgomery (Alabama).
The group, made of 10 participants with civil society backgrounds and three journalists, met among others: the Atlanta Mayor's Office, The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Equal Justice Initiative, the Atlanta Black/Jewish Coalition, the Georgia Justice Project, Global Peace Foundation and the Regenerative School from Tennesse.
Shared Citizenship (South Africa Exchange visit)
From 3 to 10 April 2022, the members of the 'Shared Citizenship, Migration: Positive experience of coexistence and inclusion' thematic group visited South Africa, more precisely the cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town.
The group, made of 13 participants with civil society or religious backgrounds and one journalist, met among others: The International Organization for Migration (United Nations agency), Lawyers for Human Rights, the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA), the Scalabrini Centre, Cape Development & Dialogue Centre Trust, Cape Town Interfaith Initiative, Awwal Mosque and many others.
Belgium (Living together)
From 15 to 22 May 2022, the members of the 'Living Together: The challenge of living together in a Globalised World of highly diverse societies' thematic group visited Belgium, more precisely the cities of Brussels, Genk and Antwerp.
The group, made of 13 participants with civil society or religious backgrounds and three journalists, during the exchange programme met, among others: the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community, the Belgian Federal Parliament, HIAS, the Collective for Inclusion and against Islamophobia in Belgium, the European Policy Centre, the Alderman of Molenbeek for City Development Mr Jef van Damme, Almadina School, De Kompaan and many others.
Morocco (Diversity through education)
From 29 May to 5 June 2022, the members of the 'Diversity through Education: Fostering pluralism and respect for diversity through education' thematic group visited Morocco, more precisely the cities of Rabat, and Fez.
The group, made of 16 participants with civil society or religious backgrounds and three journalists, during the exchange programme met, among others: the EU Ambassador to Morocco, the International University of Rabat, the Ministry of National Education, the Ecole Inclusive Deb Sultan, the Hassan II Foundation, the Conference Rabita, Euromed University, the Mimouna Foundation, Synagogue Aben Dananand, and many others.
Indonesia (Reconciliation and Transitional Justice)
From 30 June to 8 July 2022, the members of the 'Reconciliation and Transitional Justice: Harnessing opportunities for reconciliation and transitional justice' thematic group visited Indonesia, more precisely the cities of Jakarta, and Yogjakarta.
The group, made of 18 participants with civil society or religious backgrounds and two journalists, during the exchange programme met, among others: the EU Ambassador to Indonesia, AJAR, Interfidei Institut, the Indonesian Consortium fo Religious Studies, FOPPERHAM, Kiprah Perempuan, Alfatah Transgenders Islamic Boarding School, Nahdatul Ulama, KOMNAS HAM (National Human Rights Institution), Jamaah Ahmadiyah, SEJUK, and many others.