Security starts with dialogue. SHIELDed project meeting in Poznań

Keeping communities safe is not just about responding to incidents. It also depends on effective communication, preventive action, and cooperation between different groups. A good example of this approach was the national meeting held this week in Poznań as part of the SHIELDed project.

The event brought together representatives of religious communities, the city council, the police, the municipal police, a mediator from the European Institute of Mediation Foundation, and PPHS. The discussions focused on:

• cooperation between religious communities, law enforcement, and local authorities,
• preventing human rights violations, especially hate crimes,
• education on diversity and dialogue,
• ways of responding to hate speech and other threats.

The key takeaway from the meeting was clear: communication is not an optional extra in times of crisis. It is an essential part of an effective response and one of the most important tools for preventing conflict in the first place. Clear communication and cooperation between different groups can genuinely reduce the risk of escalation and strengthen people’s sense of safety.

For the Polish Platform for Homeland Security, taking part in the SHIELDed project is an opportunity to support local communities and make a real contribution to public safety. We want to strengthen preventive efforts, create space for social dialogue, and address the issues that can lead to tension and escalating conflict—such as disinformation, hate speech, and growing social divisions.

The SHIELDed project focuses on strengthening cooperation between religious communities, civil society organisations, public administration, and security services. Its aim is to develop effective ways of communicating and responding in times of crisis, while also improving protection for communities and places that are particularly exposed to risk. A key part of the project is the creation of local dialogue platforms in participating countries (Local Shielding Councils—LSC) and the development of shared response procedures.

From PPHS’s perspective, one of SHIELDed greatest strengths is that it combines dialogue with practical action and helps different groups work towards shared solutions. That is where we see the project’s real value.

Follow updates on our website and PPHS’s LinkedIn profile to keep up with the project’s progress.

You can also visit the SHIELDed website to find out more about the initiative.