Tahiri at the peace summit in Vienna: Kosovo, a unique example of coexistence and religious and cultural tolerance

At the invitation of the KAICIID Dialogue Centre in Vienna, Austria, and as part of its high-level meetings, the Executive Director of the KLGI Institute, Besnik Tahiri, is taking part in the largest Summit for Peace. The only representative from Kosovo, Tahiri gave a presentation to around 250 delegates representing 50 countries from all over the world.

Taking part in this Summit was a good opportunity to meet, network and develop contacts with many international figures engaged in promoting peace and citizenship based on shared values.

Before the delegations and representatives present, Tahiri presented the case of Kosovo as a good example of multiculturalism, inter-religious and inter-ethnic harmony and cultural coexistence. To make this even stronger, further efforts are still needed to strengthen the triangle of cooperation between local government, decision-makers and religious communities.

Tahiri emphasised to those present the important steps Kosovo has taken in strengthening the foundations of a democratic state, with a particular focus on increasing social cohesion at the local level by integrating minorities. Despite cultural and religious diversity, shared aims result in the development of an ever more democratic state that is advancing towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

What is particular here is that Spain is one of the three key countries of this summit; Tahiri had the opportunity, during the plenary sessions, to present the Kosovo model as one of the key factors of stability and of cultural and ethnic promotion.

That said, Tahiri concluded that Kosovo may be the most unique example in the world of inter-religious tolerance, because it has not caused internal conflicts or produced problems between people.