About Us

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About Us

Who We Are

The Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) Calgary is a non-profit and charitable organization dedicated to fostering social cohesion, mutual respect, and intercultural understanding. Rooted in the belief that meaningful dialogue is the key to peace and unity, IDI Calgary brings people together across cultural, religious, and social divides to engage in open discussions and collaborative initiatives.

At IDI Calgary, we are inspired by the wisdom of Mr. Fethullah Gülen, whose teachings emphasize compassion, mutual understanding, and the power of human connection. We welcome all who believe in the values of love, dialogue, and service to join us in strengthening communities, promoting respect, and creating a world where differences bring us closer together rather than divide us. Love and dialogue are the wings that carry humanity toward peace and understanding. True progress is only possible when we listen to each other with sincerity, embrace our differences with respect, and come together in service to the greater good.

We embrace diversity as a strength, striving to eliminate stereotypes, prejudices, and misconceptions through direct human interaction. By promoting dialogue and partnership, we create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect, learn, and grow together.

Our Mission

At IDI Calgary, our mission is to promote interfaith and intercultural cooperation, tolerance, and dialogue by acknowledging and celebrating both our differences and commonalities. We aim to:

  • Enhance civil society by fostering mutual respect and understanding.
  • Promote the development of human values such as compassion, integrity, and inclusivity.
  • Advance diversity and multiculturalism throughout Canada.
  • Create safe spaces for meaningful conversations that build bridges between communities.
  • Challenge stereotypes and dispel prejudices through direct engagement and collaboration.

We are committed to upholding universal values such as democracy, human rights, freedom of speech, and ecological responsibility while ensuring that no one is denied participation based on their background, beliefs, or affiliations.

Our History: How It Began

IDI was established in 2010 as a joint effort of several organizations, and today, it operates 11 chapters and regional offices across five Canadian provinces.

The organization was born out of a simple yet profound question:
“How can people of different cultures and faiths live together in peace and harmony?”

Instead of allowing differences to create division, we saw them as an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. Guided by principles of love, respect, tolerance, and compassion, we facilitate conversations that promote unity rather than conflict.

IDI is not a religious or ethnic organization; rather, it seeks to engage individuals from all walks of life in discussions about social issues that matter to everyone.

Our Vision: Defining Dialogue

We believe that dialogue is more than just conversation; it is a meaningful interaction and exchange between people of different social, cultural, political, and religious backgrounds.

Our target audience includes:

  • The general public
  • Community organizations
  • Academics and researchers
  • Stakeholders in government and business
  • Faith groups and interfaith leaders
  • Media professionals

Through a variety of programs and initiatives, we connect communities, empower engagement, and inspire new ideas that drive meaningful change.

Our Core Values

At IDI Calgary, we are guided by a set of fundamental principles that define our commitment to diversity, ethics, and social cohesion:

  • Diversity – We celebrate and embrace cultural and religious diversity as a strength.
  • Respect for Differences – We value and honor the uniqueness of different faiths and cultures.
  • Integrity & Ethics – We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our endeavors.
  • Universal Values – Our work is driven by principles such as love, respect, tolerance, and compassion.
  • Religious Neutrality – We respect the uniqueness of all religious beliefs while maintaining an inclusive approach.
  • No Particular Agenda – We operate without bias or hidden motives, focusing solely on promoting peace and human dignity.
  • Inclusivity – We ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, have a voice and place in our initiatives.
  • Ecological Responsibility – We recognize our duty to protect the environment and promote sustainability for future generations.