Cultural diplomacy

Under international understanding is defined as a profound communication between different population groups, cultures or other comparable large groups at all levels. In this case, the ambition is that degraded by the understanding, encounter and intercultural learning prejudices and boundaries between the different groups and a cultural (and scientific ) exchange is facilitated. This goal is supported by private individuals, associations ( UEA ) or government and international institutions (UNESCO) followed.

The understanding is also seen as a solution for long-lasting conflicts between different ethnic groups or religious groups, such as in Bosnia - Herzegovina conflict or in various African conflicts. In such regions is hoped that by reducing the conflict potential has a stabilizing effect, which enables the long term peaceful coexistence of the different groups. Here, the peoples serving projects are usually funded from abroad and support.

In Germany, the promotion of the idea of international understanding is a recognized charitable purpose ( § 52 Section 2 Sentence 1 No. 13 AO ), which also has tax significance.

As directed towards the understanding one summarizes thus organizations and institutions who are trying to prevent a peaceful coexistence with the most violent means. This mainly classified as terrorist organizations.

City of international understanding

The General Chapter of the General Prefect of Europe by the International Order of Pro Concordatia Populorum (PCO) has ( Switzerland ) unanimously decided at its meeting on October 21, 1989 in Schwyz, to give the city Klosterneuburg ( Austria ), the first city in Europe, the title of city of international understanding. Given in Schwyz, on 21 October 1989. The certificate will be kept in the city archives of Klosterneuburg.

After winning the title, the Austrian Society for International Understanding was founded in Klosterneuburg 1990. The Austrian Society for International Understanding 's mission is to contribute to the understanding of political positions other with their activities through the promotion of mutual understanding of different peoples and worldviews. This will also serve to ensure that all targets - even with different views and interests - by peaceful means and to benefit all be achieved.