[Article]On the importance of diversity
Today, the complex and globalized world in which we live is constantly shifting. However, with the creation of many new innovative ideas and trends, we have also witnessed a new rise in extremism, violence, and intolerance with an alarming potential to bring forth devastating effects.
Category: #Awaji #International Relations
Interview date: Oct 1st , 2018
Writer: Kamil Orbisso
Today, the complex and globalized world in which we live is constantly shifting. However, with the creation of many new innovative ideas and trends, we have also witnessed a new rise in extremism, violence, and intolerance with an alarming potential to bring forth devastating effects. Decision-makers on all spectrums (politicians, economists, scholars, social activists, spiritual leaders) are now called upon to understand the true meaning and value of diversity in observation of today’s social currents.
To recognize its importance, we must first understand the misconceptions regarding diversity and to know how unity can be achieved through diversity. Divergence of perspective takes many forms, arising from culturally-tied elements such as gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, and age. The ignorance or lack of knowledge regarding others is very often the origin of conflicts which lead to international issues. To tackle these issues, we should not tolerate but rather accept our differences to find solutions.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that acknowledging such an acceptance is enough. In the real world, development of the global community is achieved through action, networking, seminars, literature, and interactions where individuals are given the chance to speak out to others about their own views. The advancement of diversity is a process that requires continuous commitment to analyze current events and be attentive to what others are saying no matter how obscure its origin.
Awaji Youth Federation is an organization which boasts its embrace of diversity by bringing young leaders from culturally distinct backgrounds around the globe. Under the scope of regional revitalization these young leaders are involved in development of the Awaji city through creative and innovative business-related projects to help revitalized the region.
AYF aims to solve important societal issues by beginning with Awaji Island, Japan where it has begun to establish an international hub of varying perspectives. AYF hopes to expand its activity in the coming years as it evolves into a social model for Japan and eventually the world.
Only after embracing diversity and difference of opinion can we establish a marketplace of shared ideas built upon a foundation of respect and acknowledgement of all others. And it is through our understanding of each other that we may observe the commonalities that bring us together. Taking actions with a positive attitude and acceptance of those who think differently from us is what it means to accept diversity, and that in turn will lead us toward solving society’s problems