European scholars call for worldview literacy to strengthen inclusive education and democratic resilience in Europe

COREnet members launched and discussed a new policy brief titled “Building Cohesion in Migration: Embracing Religious and Secular Perspectives in Formal and Informal Education” at the European Parliament on 14 October 2025. The event, hosted by MEP Prof. Dainius Žalimas (Lithuania), marked a milestone in promoting inclusive education across Europe through the concept of worldview literacy.

From Research to Policy: The COREnet Initiative

During the opening of the event, Prof. Žalimas emphasised that Europe is once again being tested politically, socially, and morally. “War on our borders, the rise of populism, and the spread of disinformation remind us that our shared values can never be taken for granted,” he said. “Education must return to its democratic mission — to nurture citizens who think critically, act responsibly, and live united in diversity.”

MEP Prof. Žalimas underscored that understanding diverse worldviews is not a luxury but a democratic necessity: “It teaches us to engage across differences, to respect human dignity, and to strengthen European values together.”

Introducing the event, Prof. Milda Ališauskienė, Chair of COST Action COREnet (Vytautas Magnus University), highlighted that the policy brief represents one of the network’s key outcomes: “This initiative demonstrates the power of academic collaboration in building inclusive societies through education. It also shows how research can directly inform policymaking in Europe.”

Moderating the event, Prof. Annette Lais Peters, Vice Chair of COREnet (VID Specialized University), underscored that the policy brief is both “a call to action and a roadmap” for integrating worldview literacy into education systems.

Worldview Literacy: Bridging Religious and Secular Perspectives

Presenting the policy brief, its authors, Dr. Aleksandra Djurić Milovanović (Institute for Balkan Studies) and Dr. Aybiçe Tosun (Eskişehir Osmangazi University), outlined how education can foster cohesion in increasingly diverse societies.

Dr. Djurić Milovanović explained that migration and globalisation have reshaped Europe’s cultural and religious landscape: “Education stands at the centre of this transformation. Yet religion and worldviews are often avoided in classrooms — seen as private or controversial topics.” The policy brief addresses this gap through worldview literacy, defined as the ability to understand, reflect upon, and engage with both religious and secular perspectives — one’s own and those of others.

“This is not about religious instruction,” she stressed. “It is about nurturing empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking — the competencies on which democratic societies depend.”

Dr. Tosun presented the policy recommendations, highlighting that inclusive education requires multi-stakeholder collaboration: “Migration, diversity, and education cannot be solved by schools or governments alone. They require co-responsibility across society.”

She outlined practical measures, including integrating worldview literacy into national curricula and teacher training, engaging minority groups in policymaking, funding educator qualifications, and ensuring inclusive environments in schools and community spaces.

“Policies must be co-designed with those most affected by them,” Dr. Tosun concluded. “Without meaningful participation and monitoring, good intentions remain unfulfilled.”

Expert Reactions: Challenges and Solutions

Panellists from across Europe contributed insights from research, education, and social work. Dr. Michelle Attard Tonna (University of Malta) shared that migration has transformed Malta’s education landscape: “Teachers are struggling to create belonging in classrooms with linguistic and cultural diversity. Language barriers and stereotypes remain huge challenges, but teachers can be powerful agents of inclusion if properly trained.”

Prof. Arniika Kuusisto (University of Helsinki) connected worldview literacy to broader social issues: “Segregation, polarisation, and child poverty are eroding social cohesion. Schools can become safe spaces where young people learn dialogue, empathy, and democratic values.”

Prof. Juan Carlos Martin (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) added, “Dialogue and encounter are not abstract ideas — they begin in everyday acts of kindness, in seeing each other as equals.”

Prof. Siniša Zrinščak (University of Zagreb) emphasised the need to address how populism frames migration: “Migration is often portrayed as a disaster rather than an ongoing social process. We must challenge such narratives through education and open dialogue.”

Heather Roy, Secretary General of Eurodiaconia, reminded participants that inclusion extends beyond schools: “Worldview literacy also matters in welfare, healthcare, and community work. As our societies age and diversify, professionals in all sectors need to understand cultural and religious needs.”

She also pointed to underfunding of youth and community education across Europe: “If the EU wants resilient societies, investment in people — in their capacity to understand each other—must be a priority.”

Dialogue, Deep Equality, and the Role of the EU

Several discussants called for a “culture of encounter,” where people learn from daily interactions rather than formal debates. Prof. Ališauskienė invoked sociologist Lori Beaman’s concept of deep equality: “When we meet others as individuals, recognising our shared experiences and concerns, we begin to dismantle prejudice.”

In response to questions about EU action, Prof. Žalimas acknowledged the Union’s limited competence over national curricula but called for inclusion of worldview literacy in EU strategies on equality and human rights. “We cannot leave these issues solely to national discretion,” he said. “Worldview literacy directly supports Europe’s constitutional values of tolerance, diversity, and pluralism.”

A Call for Stories, Empathy, and Action

Closing the discussion, Dr. Djurić Milovanović reflected that stories are at the heart of worldview literacy: “Migration stories show how identities shift and evolve. They make diversity human and relatable. To build inclusive societies, we must teach through these narratives.”

Dr. Tosun, concluded: “This policy brief is not just a document — it is an invitation to understand what brings us together, not what sets us apart.”

Prof. Ališauskienė and Prof. Leis-Peters thanked participants and reiterated that COREnet’s work would continue beyond this launch. “Our mission,” they said, “is to make inclusive education not only a goal, but a lived reality across Europe.”

You can watch the recording of the session.

Review the Policy brief “Building Cohesion in Migration: Embracing Religious and Secular Perspectives in Formal and Informal Education” here.