What does it mean for different generations to truly engage and understand one another? What are the possible benefits of such interactions?

In 2023, the Swedish Dialogue Institute MENA conducted a participatory process to explore and co-create knowledge on intergenerational dialogue, which holds promising potential for advancing peace and development, by applying a generational perspective.

This process involved roundtable discussions, workshops, meetings, and interviews – engaging with over 200 individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences. The resulting insights and lessons learnt are consolidated in this 'guidance note' which provides an analytical framework as well as practical advice for how to engage in intergenerational dialogue.

”Intergenerational dialogue, as defined in this guidance note, is a two-or multi-way communication method rooted in active listening and mutual learning between individuals from different generations. Its primary objective includes fostering mutual understanding of generational perspectives, dispelling stereotypes, building trust and solidarity, exploring solutions to joint challenges, and bridging potential intergenerational gaps and inequalities”

In the development of the guidance note, we  are deeply grateful for an excellent collaboration on with the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), the Swedish agency for peace, security and development, and to the author Erike Tanghöj. 

You can find a short presentation of the ‘guidance note’, by Erike Tanghöj, on YouTube: Erike Tanghöj talks about Intergenerational Dialogue

To learn more read “Connecting Generations - a guidance note on intergenerational dialogue”.