The initial idea to establish the Network for Dialogue emerged from the recommendations of the December 2017 Experts Workshop on Interreligious Education in Europe in Vienna, Austria; co-hosted by The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) and the European Commission Representation in Austria.
The first meeting, the Network Planning Retreat, was held in September 2018 in Hinterbrühl, Austria, with 11 participants; future Network for Dialogue members. This meeting was followed by the official launch of the Network for Dialogue which took place in March 2019 in Bologna, Italy and the Network expanded to include more members from other European countries.