An awareness raising campaign on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008 has been launched today as part of a Europe-wide initiative by the European Commission to strengthen respect for cultural diversity, as well as the coexistence of different cultural identities and beliefs.

"Together in Diversity" will be the slogan for the campaign which will be celebrated by the UK and other EU member states when activities officially get underway in January next year.

The year will also highlight the contribution different cultures make to member states' heritage and way of life, and recognise that intercultural dialogue is essential for learning to live together in harmony.

In the UK, implementation of the year will be co-ordinated by EUCLID, an international information network for the arts and cultural sectors based in Liverpool, with support from the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).

Speaking from her office in Manchester, Arlene McCarthy, Labour MEP for the North West Region, said:

"As a country that has and still does draw great strength from its cultural diversity, the UK has much to offer during European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in 2008."

"We hear too many negatives in the media about cultural differences in Europe and the UK. 2008 should be about celebrating our amazing cultural diversity and all the benefits it brings."

EUCLID has planned a programme of events and initiatives to mark the European Year in the UK in co-operation with DCMS and a large number of civil society partners in the field of arts and culture.

The highlight of the programme is the Intercultural Cities Conference on 1^st-2^nd May in Liverpool, designated as European Capital of Culture for 2008. The aim of the conference is to shape a new direction for UK cities in the intercultural age.

EUCLID has also developed a national website for the Year, http://inter.culture.info/,that provides further information about national-level activities and key contacts for those interested in taking part in the UK.

Geoffrey Brown, Director of EUCLID, commented:

"The UK has been addressing the challenges of intercultural diversity for many years and has much to share with the rest of Europe - as well as much to learn from the experiences and examples of others. We are delighted to be involved with the Year and look forward to working hard to promote the important message of the campaign in the UK and across Europe."

The launch event in Brussels was hosted by European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Training and Youth, Ján Figel'. The Commissioner was joined by the "European Ambassadors for Intercultural Dialogue": high-profile personalities in the field of arts and culture such as Paulo Coehlo, Brazilian author of the best-selling novel, The Alchemist.

Speaking at the launch, Coehlo said:

"Intercultural dialogue is of vital importance today. Communicating with each other opens our eyes to the richness and plurality of our societies while strengthening our own identities."

"We must welcome the opportunity to learn about different cultures and embrace the benefits of diversity in cultivating harmony between all people."

The launch event also marked the inauguration of the pan-European campaign website www.dialogue2008.eu, which has been developed together with civil society organisations in Europe. It provides a joint European 'space' for intercultural dialogue and includes a partner section aimed at stimulating networking and exchanges of best practices at EU level. Prior to launch, it already hosts more than 500 profiles of individuals and organisations working within the field of intercultural dialogue.

Also present at the event are the promoters and representatives of the seven flagship projects, which were recently selected to receive Community funding support following an open call for proposals earlier this year.

The projects cover the areas of urban culture, popular arts, participation of young people, migration, media, exchange of local initiatives, video projects or activities of immigrant communities. All include participants from several Member States. The results of the projects will be presented in the second half of the year.