Building Bridges Through Dialogue: Highlights from the Dialogue Summit in Bucharest

In a world marked by growing polarization and rising social fragmentation – even in the most established democracies – the Dialogue Summit in Bucharest offered a timely and powerful response: dialogue as a method to rebuild connection, foster understanding, and navigate complexity.

Held from May 14 to 18, the summit brought together more than 270 participants and dialogue practitioners from at least 38 countries across all continents for an inspiring and productive week of exchange, reflection, and collaboration. This global gathering highlighted a shared recognition and common conviction: that meaningful, inclusive dialogue is vital for fostering resilient, democratic, and peaceful societies.

The Dialogue Summit officially opened on May 14 with a Welcoming and Opening Ceremony that set the tone for the days ahead. On May 15, participants enjoyed a cultural visit to the historic city of Constanța, offering a valuable opportunity for informal networking and cross-cultural connection. The core of the summit unfolded over three intensive days (May 16–18) at the International Informatics High School, featuring a rich program of panels, workshops, and presentations of good practices.

In the main conference hall, three high-profile panels brought together renowned academics, activists, leaders and practitioners to explore the challenges and possibilities of dialogue in increasingly divided societies. Around these plenary moments, a wide variety of interactive workshops and practical sessions showcased methods for engaging communities, addressing sensitive issues, and fostering sustained civic participation.

As a co-organiser, IDP was proud to contribute by presenting two recent EU-funded projects – Protone and Citizen Z – in the good practice sessions, and by facilitating the workshop “Engaging Citizens in Meaningful Dialogue on Polarizing Issues.” The workshop created space to exchange tools and insights on how dialogue can move beyond disagreement to foster shared understanding and collective action.

What emerged across all sessions was a common insight: dialogue is not simply about talking – it is about listening with intention, creating trust, and enabling transformation. In today’s volatile climate, dialogue stands as one of the most powerful tools we have to reconnect people, bridge ideological divides, and reimagine democratic life from the ground up.

The Dialogue Summit in Bucharest was not just an event – it was a statement of purpose. It affirmed that around the world, there is a growing movement ready to lean into complexity, build bridges across difference, and place human connection back at the heart of public life.