This year’s conference, ‘Dialogue, Democracy, and Diversity,’ brought to life powerful themes centred around the experiences of communities and their resilience in today’s world.

As I settled into my seat, I found myself captivated by a panel featuring two war survivors from opposing countries. Their conversation offered a profound insight into how history can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. They didn’t merely recount their painful pasts; they shared how their experiences fostered empathy and understanding, highlighting their similarities instead of their differences. This exchange was a moving reminder that, even in the aftermath of conflict, dialogue can lead to healing and unity.

What struck me most was how these survivors approached their history. They emphasised not just remembering but also understanding, sharing their stories in a way that invites others to learn and reflect. Their dialogue illustrated that when history is framed as a collective experience, it holds the power to inform our present and guide our decisions. It serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved, helping us navigate the complex issues surrounding peace, justice, and democracy.

Throughout the conference, the theme of polarisation was prevalent, especially in Zsuzsanna Szelényi’s talk about the political vacuum in Europe. She discussed how polarisation often starts subtly, primarily through language. Words can create divisions, fostering an ‘us versus them’ mentality that slowly erodes trust among different groups. What may seem like innocent language can grow into harmful narratives that entrench societal divides. Szelényi emphasised that political polarisation goes beyond mere disagreement; it is rooted in how these disagreements are framed and manipulated to further divide societies.

In many parts of Europe, a growing political vacuum signals a lack of strong democratic frameworks, leaving people feeling adrift. While there is still a strong desire for democratic governance, individuals now perceive democracy as a collective concept rather than an individual right. They seek leadership that reflects their values and communities, yet such leadership is increasingly influenced by populism and the resulting polarisation. The most alarming aspect, Szelényi noted, is that when people feel threatened or fear for their safety, they may accept leaders who compromise democratic principles in the name of protection.

In the face of war, political polarisation, and social exclusion, the stories we tell and the ways we share them hold the potential to bring people together, bridge divides, and foster a sense of belonging.

The cycle of polarisation is a chain reaction that begins with divisive language and framing by leaders. Over time, this narrative seeps into communities, fostering distrust and deepening divides. The challenge lies in reversing this trend. Szelényi proposed that finding cross-cutting ties—connections that unite polarised groups—is essential. Mobilising against polarisation means focusing on the future, building bridges, and seeking common ground that fosters unity rather than division. And once again, it all begins with words; the language we choose can either heal or harm, connect or fracture.

History plays a significant role in this dynamic. In many polarised regions, particularly those scarred by conflict, there has been insufficient effort to preserve or teach a cohesive history.

Community organisations often step in to fill this gap, collecting stories and memories that can inform future generations. Sometimes these histories come to life through art—a potent medium for shifting narratives, fostering empathy, and connecting people across divides.

In areas marked by exclusion, art can serve as a means of reclaiming identity. The Roma community, for instance, has long faced marginalisation, and their artistic expressions have become both a resistance to exclusion and a celebration of their unique identity. Through art, they convey their stories, challenge stereotypes, and assert their place in society. In this context, art becomes a bridge that helps shift narratives, fostering connection through shared humanity while preserving the uniqueness of individual experiences.

Belonging is a powerful force, and its absence can deepen societal divides. In many polarised groups, identity can become a battleground, delineating ‘us’ from ‘them.’ But what if, instead of emphasising our differences, we sought out our shared experiences? Culture plays a crucial role in this endeavor. It can unite people within a group while also fostering connections across different groups. When we identify shared experiences—through art, history, or conversation— we begin to see that our differences don’t have to divide us; instead, they can enrich our perspectives and possibilities.

At the heart of this discussion is the power of storytelling. How we share our narratives, preserve our histories, and express ourselves through art shapes the world around us. In today’s polarised climate, it is more vital than ever to recognise our responsibility in crafting these narratives. The two war survivors at the conference understood this intuitively. Their stories transcended the past; they became a blueprint for how we can move forward together, using our shared experiences to create a more just and peaceful world.

As I reflect on their conversation, I realise that history, words, and art are not merely tools for understanding the past; they are pathways to connection, empathy, and healing. In the face of war, political polarisation, and social exclusion, the stories we tell and the ways we share them hold the potential to bring people together, bridge divides, and foster a sense of belonging. In a world that often feels fragmented, this may be the most important lesson of all.

My experience as a representative of Aidsfonds at the conference underscored the critical need for dialogue and solidarity in an increasingly polarised society. The discussions revealed how empathy can counter rising anti-rights movements and emphasise the importance of amplifying marginalised voices. By fostering inclusivity and understanding, we can build a future where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued, contributing to a more equitable society.

Nabanita Choudhury is a creative business development professional passionate about driving impactful solutions for gender equality and HIV/AIDS advocacy. Nabanita currently works as the Strategic Institutional Fundraising Officer at AidsFonds.