Shaping the Future Through Words: Antonella Sberna’s Vision for Interfaith Dialogue in Europe

Antonella Sberna's Vision for Interreligious Dialogue: Shaping Europe’s Future

Antonella Sberna, the newly appointed Vice President of the European Parliament, delivered a powerful speech today, highlighting the transformative role of interreligious dialogue and the importance of thoughtful communication in fostering European unity. Addressing a distinguished audience, Sberna presented her vision for implementing Article 17, which aims to promote democratic values, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence across the European Union.

In her remarks, Sberna emphasized, “The active engagement of different ethical systems, whether religious or secular, ensures that our social path reflects inclusivity and mutual respect, honoring diversity while promoting integration.”

A Commitment to Dialogue and Inclusion

Sberna reaffirmed the European Parliament’s dedication to creating spaces for dialogue that transcend cultural and religious differences. She described Article 17 as a critical tool for building mutual understanding, resolving conflicts, and fostering interfaith cooperation. The Parliament achieves this through various activities, including seminars and roundtables, that bring together religious, philosophical, and secular voices.

One such initiative is an upcoming seminar on December 10, 2024. Highlighting this event, Sberna noted, “Together we create a Europe that is inclusive, united, and forward-thinking. The next such initiative… focuses on the importance of intergenerational dialogue in addressing Europe’s future challenges.”

The Power of Words

A key theme in Sberna’s address was the impact of language in shaping societal values. Quoting Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, she asserted, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” This statement underscored her call to use language responsibly to combat hate speech and promote unity.

“When misused, words can divide, harm, or spread hate,” Sberna warned. “But when they are used with care, words can unite, foster understanding, and challenge prejudice.” She urged her audience to harness the power of language to inspire positive change while upholding core European values such as democracy, freedom, solidarity, and human dignity.

Building Bridges for the Future

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Sberna expressed confidence in Europe’s collective ability to drive meaningful progress. “Through interreligious dialogue, we create a common space where diverse communities coexist,” she said. Her vision for the future includes strengthening cooperation, amplifying the voices of diverse groups, and fostering a sense of belonging among all Europeans.

As she concluded her speech, Sberna left a profound message: “The words we choose today shape the world we live in tomorrow. Let us use them wisely to build a framework for peaceful coexistence and shared responsibility.”

Antonella Sberna’s speech sets an inspiring tone for her mandate, signaling a strong focus on optimism, collaboration, and unity. As the European Parliament prepares for its December seminar and future initiatives, her leadership promises to champion the values that unite Europe in its rich diversity.