“Youth and Multiculturalism in Austria Session Two: Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in a Pluralistic Society”

On 11 February, 2021, at 7pm IAYSP Austria organized the second session of the IAYSP series, “Youth and Multiculturalism: Promoting Peaceful Coexistence in a Pluralistic Society” on Zoom. Fifty people participated in the panel discussion.

The panellists were Džemal Šibljaković, a lecturer at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, a coach for deradicalization; Martha Bißmann, a former member of parliament; and Anastasia Fusco who works as an Adviser on Youth and Security in the Office of the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Džemal Šibljaković highlighted that we need new narratives promoting more peaceful coexistence in our society. Martha Bißmann mentioned that we should talk again about Austrian history, as we have a multicultural and diverse background. Furthermore, she said that we should have more multicultural festivals to celebrate our peaceful coexistence, and that more parliamentarians should have migration roots to create a better balance, such as that found in New Zealand or Canada.

Anastasia Fusco mainly explained that OSCE focuses on the human dimension, such as human rights. And now they are working on the political dimension offering training to young people.

Afterwards, questions were asked to the panellists to ensure participants could voice their opinions and have a lively and great discussion on the topic.