May 21 was the 11th Annual World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
The United Nations indicates that three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension. “Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.”
In the business world, there are numerous efforts focused on diversity and inclusion. Organizations are beginning to understand that they cannot function effectively and achieve their business goals without leveraging the differences that are inherent among any group. They are realizing that diversity is not something to be suppressed but rather when managed well it leads to greater innovation, productivity and overall satisfaction.
As an individual, you might think that you can do little to impact cultural acceptance and understanding. I think that each of us can do a lot. To quote Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Change happens one person at a time, until we reach a critical mass or a tipping point where we value and appreciate our differences rather than opposing them based on our narrow stereotypes and limited knowledge.
In 2011, The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with UNESCO and various other partners from corporations to civil society launched the world campaign “Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion”, aimed at engaging people around the world to Do One Thing to support Cultural Diversity and Inclusion. The campaign reaches more than 7,500 people around the world through their Facebook page.
What one thing can you do to support cultural diversity and inclusion?
Visit our website and let us know!
The Winters Group developed this 8-step list in 2002:
