Vienna. The „Prinzip Wien“ Values Congress will be held on 14 November 2024 between 09:00-16:00 at the Wiener Hofburg Congress Center.
Expressing their great pleasure to organize a joint dialogue meeting on coexistence in Vienna, Vienna Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr spoke about human dignity, pluralism and democracy. Wiederkehr cautioned against sweeping condemnations and emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue. Wiederkehr’s (NEOS) opening speech focused on key issues important for future coexistence in Vienna. Wiederkehr: “For living together, ‘Mobbing and reputation assassination’ have no place in our common life!” His expressions attracted attention!
As a member of the Neos negotiating team for the next federal government, Wiederkehr emphasized the importance of three fundamental principles in his opening speech: “Human dignity, pluralism and democracy.” Wiederkehr, who emphasized in his speech that “the rules are determined according to the law book, not the prayer book” and that this statement reflects the difficulties in urban areas such as Favoriten and Meidling, where social tensions can be felt on a daily basis, also clearly stated that “morality guards are not welcome in Vienna” was noteworthy.
A wide range of topics from religion to education, from working life to night life are discussed at the congress.
Representatives of the Austrian Turkish Cultural Society (TKG) also attended the meeting, where nearly a hundred participants who are experts, employees or interested in harmony in Vienna will discuss and find the topics of coexistence in Vienna!
At the congress, topics such as “Successful coexistence with different views and lifestyles”, “Safety in Vienna nightlife”, “Religious diversity and harmony”, “Kindergartens and schools as educational areas for a safe future”, “Good and respectful behavior in the work environment” were discussed. ”, “Respectful coexistence in hospitals and public offices”, “In parks, restaurants, public transport, etc. The topics “living together” and “Knowledge and respect in the digital space” will be discussed. The event is held at the Wiener Hofburg Congress Centre.
How can participants contribute to fostering a culture of respectful dialogue during the congress?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Christoph Wiederkehr, Vienna Deputy Mayor
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Christoph, and thank you for joining us today. We’re excited about the upcoming “Prinzip Wien” Values Congress happening on November 14, 2024. Can you tell us a bit about the vision behind this event?
Christoph Wiederkehr: Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be here. The “Prinzip Wien” Values Congress is a pivotal moment for us to engage in meaningful dialogue about coexistence in Vienna. Our goal is to bring together diverse voices to discuss core values such as human dignity, pluralism, and democracy. It’s essential that we foster a culture of respect and understanding, especially in today’s rapidly changing social landscape.
Editor: You’ve highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue in your opening remarks. Why do you believe this is particularly crucial in Vienna right now?
Wiederkehr: Vienna is a melting pot of cultures and perspectives. In such a vibrant environment, it’s easy for misunderstandings to arise. I believe that respectful dialogue helps us navigate these complexities. Rather than resorting to sweeping condemnations or personal attacks—what I call “mobbing and reputation assassination”—we must engage in constructive discussions. This is not just about tolerance; it’s about actively listening and learning from one another.
Editor: You mentioned three fundamental principles that are central to your vision—human dignity, pluralism, and democracy. Can you elaborate on how these principles will guide the discussions at the congress?
Wiederkehr: Absolutely. Human dignity is non-negotiable; it underpins all our interactions. Pluralism recognizes that diverse perspectives enrich our society and should be embraced, not feared. democracy is not only about voting but about having a say in your community—and that includes engaging in open debates. Together, these principles create an environment where everyone feels they belong, and where dialogue can flourish.
Editor: It sounds like you anticipate some challenging discussions. What strategies do you plan to employ to ensure these conversations remain productive and inclusive?
Wiederkehr: We’re committed to facilitating an environment where all participants feel safe to share their views. This means setting clear ground rules for dialogue—encouraging empathy, asking questions, and challenging ideas respectfully. We’ll incorporate workshops and breakout sessions to ensure voices are heard, particularly from those who might not often take center stage in these discussions.
Editor: You’re part of the NEOS negotiating team for the next federal government. How do you see the outcomes of the Values Congress influencing national policy discussions, especially regarding coexistence?
Wiederkehr: The congress will serve as a valuable platform to gather insights that can inform our policy-making at the federal level. It’s crucial that national policies reflect the needs and aspirations of diverse communities. By listening to the conversations and themes that emerge from the congress, we can advocate for policies that promote inclusion, address disparities, and ultimately create a more cohesive society.
Editor: Before we wrap up, is there a particular message you’d like to convey to our readers about the significance of this congress?
Wiederkehr: I urge everyone to participate in this conversation, whether in person or through various platforms. The themes of coexistence and mutual respect are not just local issues; they resonate globally. By bringing our collective ideas to the forefront, we can build a stronger community and set an example for others to follow. Together, let’s embrace our differences and find common ground.
Editor: Thank you, Christoph, for your insights and for your commitment to advancing dialogue in Vienna. We’re looking forward to the congress!
Wiederkehr: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing many engaged individuals at the congress. Let’s continue the conversation!