The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions (CPWR) has announced that Brussels, Belgium will host the next Parliament in 2014. The decision was made on 13 March, 2011 at a meeting of the Board of Trustees in Chicago.
As noted on the blog of the CPWR, the following considerations played a significant part in the selection of Brussels as host:
"As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is a microcosm of the challenges and possibilities present in an increasingly multi-religious and multi-cultural continental society. Historical and geo-political dynamics connect Brussels and Europe to the rest of the world in powerful ways that have far-reaching implications.
The compelling global case for a Parliament in Brussels was amplified by the urgent need to address the issue of social cohesion in Europe and other regions experiencing religious, cultural and ethnic diversity. The role of Brussels as the capital of the European Union provides a regional and international reach, and taps into widespread dynamics that ultimately impact every corner of the world. The potential for social unrest or social transformation, at this pivotal moment in history, was the final determining factor in answering the question: Why Brussels? Why now?"
For further information, please refer to the CPWR website.