New policy brief calls for integration of worldview literacy across European educational environments

A new policy brief titled “Building Cohesion in Migration: Embracing Religious and Secular Perspectives in Formal and Informal Education” highlights the urgent need to integrate worldview literacy into Europe’s educational systems, from schools and universities to community and informal learning spaces. Developed under the COST Action COREnet, the document underscores that fostering understanding and respect for diverse religious and secular worldviews is central to building democratic, cohesive, and inclusive societies.

As migration continues to reshape Europe’s social and cultural fabric, the policy brief argues that education must play a leading role in promoting social cohesion, equity, and shared democratic belonging. Worldview literacy—defined as the capacity to engage with and reflect on diverse religious and secular perspectives—is presented as an essential civic competence for all learners.

The policy brief was prepared by COREnet members Dr. Aleksandra Djurić Milovanović (Serbia) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aybiçe Tosun (Türkiye), under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Milda Ališauskienė (Lithuania), COREnet Chair, and Prof. Dr. Annette Rose Leis-Peters (Norway), COREnet Vice-Chair.

“Embedding worldview literacy into education is not only about knowledge transfer; it is about equipping societies to manage diversity, foster equity, and strengthen democratic participation at all levels”, notes Dr. Aleksandra Djurić Milovanović.

“Through this policy brief, we seek to bridge scholarly perspectives on worldview literacy and inclusion with actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers. These recommendations seek to advance more responsive and transformative educational policies across Europe and beyond”, says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aybiçe Tosun.

The authors call for multi-level policy action—national, institutional, and community-based—to ensure that worldview literacy becomes a cornerstone of democratic education in Europe. The brief notes that worldview literacy is a necessary foundation for democratic resilience and meaningful inclusion.

Key recommendations include integrating worldview literacy into national education standards, revising curricula to reflect diverse identities, and training educators, public servants, and media professionals to engage inclusively with religious and secular diversity.

The policy brief draws from insights and outcomes of several COREnet activities, including the workshop “Crossroads of Learning: Exploring the Intersection of Education, Migration, and Religion”, expert webinars, and discussions with migrants and migration practitioners. These findings emphasise the importance of collaborative policymaking that involves educators, community leaders, religious and worldview organisations, and migrants themselves.

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