A panel of international journalists, authors and media experts led a dialogue on the representation of religious and cultural "Others" at the first in a series of public events at the KAICIID Hall of Dialogue in Vienna, Austria. In a dialogue-based event, the panellists engaged with the audience to discuss a range of issues, challenges, ideas and solutions around this topic.

The panellists were drawn from a range of countries, cultures and religions. Moderator Claus Reitan is an author and columnist, and former chief editor of noted Austrian news magazine, Die Furche. Anat Saragusti, current director of B'Tselem USA, a journalist, feminist and human rights activist, is an expert on how media affects society. The former CEO of AGENDA, an NGO established to change the way the media cover key issues, and, Anat brought to the panel her extensive knowledge of peacebuilding processes and conflict transformation. Fauzia Shaheen, head of the Women Media Center (WMC) in Karachi, Pakistan, spoke on the reporting of religion in South Asia, and her experience promoting creative ways in which the voices of Pakistani women may be reflected in the country’s policy-making.

In conclusion, the panellists agreed on the need for dialogue between media and religious representatives. "Dialogue is without alternative", said Khaled Hroub. "Critical thinking in the media and acceptance or faith in religions are two different spheres: the only way to reconcile these two different spheres is through dialogue. We are different, and we embrace this."