Who we are
The European Peace Network is a European peace and dialogue initiative founded by BIRD – Bündnis Interreligiöses Deutschland e.V. and Forum Dialog Mitteldeutschland.
Our initiative brings together people from different religious, cultural and national backgrounds through music, personal encounters and dialogue.
We believe that lasting peace grows through relationships built on mutual respect, trust and shared experiences. Our aim is to develop a sustainable European network that connects communities and encourages cooperation beyond individual events.
BIRD e.V.
BIRD – Bündnis Interreligiöses Deutschland e.V. is a Dresden-based non-profit association dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence between people of different religions and cultures.
Since 2015, BIRD has organised large interreligious peace concerts under the motto “Zuerst Mensch – in Musik vereint” (“Human First – United in Music”), bringing together musicians, religious communities and audiences from diverse backgrounds.
In 2023, BIRD founded Ensemble Coexist, an international group of professional musicians representing Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Druze traditions. The ensemble has become an important part of BIRD’s commitment to dialogue and mutual understanding.
Forum Dialog Mitteldeutschland
Forum Dialog Mitteldeutschland promotes intercultural and interreligious dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence through encounters, educational activities and cooperation with civil society.
As part of the wider Forum Dialog network, the organisation brings experience in building connections between communities and encouraging dialogue across cultural and religious boundaries.
Together with BIRD e.V., Forum Dialog Mitteldeutschland is developing the European Peace Network to connect local initiatives across Europe and create new opportunities for lasting cooperation.
The People Behind the Initiative
The European Peace Network is a joint initiative of Sebastian Römisch, Chairman of BIRD e.V., and Tayyar Koçak, Managing Director of Forum Dialog Mitteldeutschland.
Both share the conviction that personal encounters, music and interreligious dialogue can help overcome prejudice, strengthen mutual understanding and build lasting relationships across Europe.
Combining their experience in cultural projects, interfaith cooperation and civil society engagement, they are working together to develop the European Peace Network as a long-term platform for peace and dialogue.
Sebastian Römisch
Chairman, BIRD e.V.
Tayyar Koçak
Managing Director, Forum Dialog Mitteldeutschland