Tackling polarisation and dehumanisation: Dialogue at UN Geneva

Against the backdrop of escalating global tensions, increasing polarisation, and a persistent rise in dehumanising narratives, a broad coalition of civil society leaders, faith actors, experts, and policymakers convened on 16 May 2025 at the United Nations Office at Geneva for a full-day policy dialogue. The event, titled Living Together in Harmony: Rejecting Dehumanisation and Overcoming Polarisations, was co-hosted by Globethics in partnership with the OHCHR’s “Faith for Rights” initiative, marking the International Day of Living Together in Peace.

The gathering provided a safe, Chatham House Rule-based space for frank dialogue and strategic thinking, aiming to counteract the erosion of human dignity through collective action and shared purpose.

A call to rebuild connection and hope

In a world where military budgets continue to rise, diplomacy falters, and advanced technologies risk amplifying bias and division, the convening highlighted the urgent need for coordinated, multilevel responses. Participants from across the globe brought experiences rooted in interfaith dialogue, education, humanitarian work, and peacebuilding, united by a shared concern: the normalisation of exclusion and the growing emotional desensitisation to human suffering.

Drafting a common roadmap

A key outcome of the event was the initiation of a white paper and strategic roadmap aimed at offering a shared understanding of the challenges, outlining principles for ethical engagement, and promoting a hopeful, inclusive narrative. Early proposals for action included:

• The creation of an alliance of organisations to foster synergy, avoid duplication, and pool resources
• A white paper defining key terms and perspectives to inform policy and advocacy efforts
• A framework to incubate ideas and projects that reconnect communities through empathy and dignity

Building on past and present

Reclaiming human dignity

Throughout the day, recurring themes emerged: the need to centre human dignity, embrace empathy, and foster a new narrative of unity without ignoring complexity. Participants acknowledged that there are no universal solutions, but affirmed the need for clear boundaries, common language, and sustained commitment.

The gathering concluded with a shared pledge to continue building this trajectory of hope, both individually and collectively. In the words of one participant: “We must question our own practices, even when it’s uncomfortable. If we keep doing business as usual, nothing will change. But if we commit to working together, we can create the conditions for peace to flourish.”

A draft roadmap and white paper are set to be circulated in the coming weeks for wider consultation, to align diverse stakeholders toward concrete, compassionate action in a time of global division.