Introduction to the II Córdoba Forum

In the face of the seeds of doubt, fear and prejudice worldwide, the Córdoba Forum, World Convivence Forum, recognises the urgent need to strengthen the diversity of actors working towards dialogue, rapprochement and mutual understanding —in a word, CONVIVENCE, defined as “the art of living together in mutual respect for otherness”.

The Córdoba Forum is an initiative of the Paradigma Córdoba Foundation for Convivence, which registered the Forum’s name and trademark under Spanish law on 24 March 2015, under the subtitle “World Convivence Forum”.

The II Córdoba Forum will not only build on the I Forum (15–17 May 2019), which reaffirmed the ideal of living together more harmoniously —Convivence—, but will also aim to analyse geopolitical contexts in order to demonstrate, through best practices and innovative projects, that it is possible to prevent crises and disasters, adapt to change, live together more harmoniously, and encourage institutions to develop policies and strategies of Convivence.

As with the I Forum, the vision of the II Córdoba Forum, World Convivence Forum, draws inspiration from the historic city of Córdoba, where, during al-Andalus, diverse cultures and three major religions lived together, to the extent that this period was later mythologised as a golden age of convivence.

In Córdoba, Jews, Christians and Muslims chose to engage in dialogue and live together, respecting and admiring one another, generating ideas of harmony and solidarity while embracing their differences and otherness.

The Forum thus celebrates, promotes and supports a “Spirit of Córdoba” worldwide, and seeks to bring together diverse actors and institutions committed to dialogue, rapprochement and mutual understanding, within a true “federation of consciences”.

Building on the I Forum in 2019, the II Córdoba Forum is intended for organisations, companies, public authorities and individuals who share a common aim: to aspire to a more fraternal, more supportive world of greater Convivence.

The II Córdoba Forum, World Convivence Forum also seeks to engage more closely with urban and rural territories, at local and regional levels, as well as with the business sector. Its web platform will serve as a key tool for building a network —a “federation of consciences” centred on Convivence.

From June 2023 onwards, this platform will bring together institutions, organisations, public authorities and companies wishing to communicate about Convivence and share their experiences.

Particular attention will be given to young people, their role and the support they receive, so that they can fully engage with the “Spirit of Córdoba” — that of Convivence.