About the Platform

Our mission

Mutual understanding and social cohesion.

Intercultural Dialogue Platform (IDP) is a Brussels-based non-profit civil society organisation, aiming at mutual understanding and harmonious interaction among people of different cultural backgrounds. The association also communicates the works of a network of European dialogue organisations (Dialogue Platform) associated with the Hizmet (Gülen movement) at the European level.EN

Inspired by the teachings and example of the scholar Fethullah Gülen, these organisations aim to advance and promote intercultural understanding, dialogical interaction and social cohesion in their respective societies. While each partner organisation retains its institutional independence, the Dialogue Platform supports coordination among them to ensure the exchange of best practices and experience. It also works to give a louder voice at the EU level to the initiatives carried out by its partner organisations.

Dialogue Platform, moreover, fosters debate and analysis on various issues concerning a peaceful and respectful coexistence in European societies. By so doing, it aims to make practical contributions to the decision-making processes on relevant developments and issues impacting community relations in Europe.

In February 2024 Dialogue Platform signed a Partnership Agreement with the European Parliament, establishing a long-term collaboration aimed at strengthening civic engagement and democratic participation.

The Hizmet Movement

Hizmet (also known as the Gülen Movement) is a transnational civil society initiative that advocates for the ideals of human rights, equal opportunity, democracy, nonviolence and the emphatic acceptance of religious and cultural diversity.EN

It began in Turkey as a grassroots community in the 1970s and has transformed into a wider social effort around the world, with participants who are culturally, geographically, linguistically and religiously diverse. Their work centres on promoting philanthropy and community service, investing in education, and organising intercultural and interfaith dialogue for peaceful coexistence.

Hizmet is not a religious effort; it is open to every person who shares its core values. Participants are inspired by the ideas, life example and vision of Fethullah Gülen (1941 to 2024).