Fundacion Mejora marked World Day for Cultural Diversity with representatives of different communities, experts in coexistence and cultural figures
Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 4th Jun 2026 — The Fundación para la Mejora de la Vida, la Cultura y la Sociedad held a gathering in Madrid to mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, bringing together religious representatives, authorities specialising in coexistence, social leaders, artists and members of different communities to reflect on the value of diversity in Spanish society today.
The event took place at the national headquarters of Scientology in Madrid and was presented by Mónica Muñoz, Director of Public Affairs of the Church of Scientology of Spain. The subsequent dialogue was moderated by Isabel Ayuso Puente, a trustee of Fundacion Mejora, who highlighted the importance of promoting mutual knowledge, tolerance and cooperation among people of different beliefs, cultures and experiences.
The celebration took place in a context in which Spain continues to face the challenge of strengthening coexistence in an increasingly plural society. According to Spain’s Ministry of the Interior publications on the evolution of hate crimes in Spain, 1,955 hate crimes and incidents were recorded in 2024, with racism and xenophobia being the largest categories. Although the figures reflect a reduction compared with the previous year, the data continue to show the need to maintain spaces for education, prevention and dialogue.
The day began with a performance by the Peruvian folk group Tusuk Pisku, which presented the traditional dance “Cholones de Rupa Rupa,” originating from the Peruvian Amazon. The performance offered attendees a sample of Peru’s cultural heritage and served as an example of how traditions can bring people from different backgrounds closer together.
The round table featured Clarisa Nieva, Director of the Office of Public Affairs of the Bahá’í Community of Spain; Fernando Hernández, an officer of the Diversity Management Unit of the Madrid Municipal Police; flamenco guitarist, composer and producer Tito Losada; Denise González, an activist linked to human rights education initiatives; and Isabel Ayuso Puente as moderator.
Throughout the gathering, participants addressed issues relating to intercultural coexistence, religious freedom, human rights and the need to respond to prejudice through knowledge and education.
Denise González shared aspects of the Mexican tradition of the Day of the Dead, explaining how this celebration represents a way of keeping alive the memory of loved ones and transmitting universal values such as love, remembrance and equality among people. She also stressed that many traditions that may seem strange from the outside acquire a deeply human meaning when understood in their cultural context.
For his part, Tito Losada reflected on his experience as a Roma artist and on the challenges still faced by the Roma community in Spain. During his remarks, he recalled the importance of art as a tool for building bridges between cultures and combating stereotypes that continue to affect many people. He also reviewed some of the charitable and solidarity initiatives in which he has taken part over more than five decades of artistic work.
Fernando Hernández offered the perspective of the Diversity Management Unit of the Madrid Municipal Police, which specialises in the prevention of hate crimes, intercultural mediation and the protection of fundamental rights. Hernández emphasised that religious freedom, human dignity and respect for differences are among the principles that must sustain democratic coexistence.
From the Bahá’í Community of Spain, Clarisa Nieva presented the principle of “unity in diversity,” a vision that regards cultural, religious and human plurality as a strength for society. She recalled that Spain is today an increasingly diverse reality and that the challenge is not only to coexist, but to learn to live together, cooperate and build shared spaces where differences are valued as a positive contribution.
The moderator of the gathering, Isabel Ayuso Puente, explained that the activities promoted by Fundacion Mejora seek to create spaces for encounter among people of different outlooks, fostering mutual respect and cooperation. She also recalled that Scientology, founded by L. Ronald Hubbard, places particular importance on the spiritual dimension of the human being and on people’s ability to contribute actively to the improvement of society.
“Europe is built not only through institutions, but also thanks to citizens capable of listening to, understanding and respecting those who live, believe or express themselves differently,” said Ivan Arjona, representative of the Church of Scientology to the European Union, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. “Cultural and religious diversity is a richness for our societies when it is accompanied by education, dialogue and a firm defence of the dignity and rights of every person.”
The participants agreed that coexistence requires continuous effort and that mutual knowledge remains one of the most effective tools for reducing prejudice and strengthening social cohesion. The gathering concluded by emphasising the value of spaces for dialogue as instruments for building more inclusive, respectful and supportive communities.
The Fundación para la Mejora de la Vida, la Cultura y la Sociedad is an organisation dedicated to promoting activities of general interest related to education, human rights, tolerance, social prevention and the strengthening of coexistence. The foundation develops cultural, educational and community initiatives aimed at contributing to social well-being and understanding among people of different backgrounds and beliefs.
Scientology is a religion founded by L. Ronald Hubbard, whose teachings focus on the spiritual nature of the human being and one’s relationship with oneself, with others and with society. In addition to their religious activities, its churches and related organisations support educational, preventive and humanitarian programmes in areas such as human rights, drug prevention, the improvement of coexistence and the promotion of ethical values.
The Church of Scientology, its churches, missions, groups and members are present across the European continent. Scientology Europe reports a continent-wide presence through more than 140 churches, missions and affiliated groups in at least 27 European nations, alongside thousands of community-based social betterment and reform initiatives focused on education, prevention and neighbourhood-level support, inspired by the work of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard.
Within Europe’s diverse national frameworks for religion, the Church’s recognitions continue to expand, with administrative and judicial authorities in Spain, Portugal, Sweden, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Slovakia and other countries, as well as the European Court of Human Rights, having addressed and acknowledged Scientology communities as protected by national and international provisions on freedom of religion or belief.
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Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Contact Person: Ivan Arjona
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