We are living in a continuously increasingly globalised and multicultural society. At times, we come in contact with cultural exchange, as facing cultural diversity has now become a major challenge for us Europeans. Migratory flows and the successive enlargements of the European Union have brought the peoples and cultures into continuous contact and exchange, so that living in a multicultural community has become the custom for millions of people.
Being Europeans we have to explore and exploit the benefits of our rich cultural heritage and opportunities to learn from different cultural traditions. We should be proud of our culture and we should recognise that our continent’s great cultural diversity represents a unique advantage for all of us. Intercultural dialogue is one of the most important areas in which we need to empower more in order to build the future of our country and of the European Union. This is why 2008 is the European year of Intercultural Dialogue!
But why did the European Union choose this European theme for this year?
When we are talking about the future of Europe, intercultural dialogue has an essential and fundamental meaning. In actual fact the European Union is concerned about this fact, this is why the European institution is promoting the “European Year of Intercultural Dialogue”.
Dialogue between cultures is an indispensable and essential tool in forging closer links both between European people themselves and between their respective cultures. It contributes to strengthen the relationship between countries and to share peace.
The purpose of such awareness is to promote intercultural dialogue as a course of action in which all those living in the European Union can develop their aptitude to deal with a wider, but yet more multipart, cultural environment in different member states within the European Union and their respective country. Through this exercise one can gain knowledge of different identities and beliefs.
As a member of the European Parliament, I favour this type of responsiveness with all those living in the European Union, particularly with youngsters. It is tremendously important to comprehend the implication of developing an active European citizenship, which is unlocked to the world, complements cultural diversity and is based on ordinary values.
Adult education has a significant key function in the exchange of ideas between cultures. We should comprehend that through globalisation, our world is becoming smaller and we have to learn to live with one another in this world. We must therefore reinforce intercultural dialogue, not least as a way of helping to guarantee peace.
While the threat of war between states has happily been losing ground for some time, the risk of internal conflicts based on cultural differences has been on the increase.
In reality, adult education can help us to learn to live together in our world by gaining a comprehension of others and of their histories, ethnicity, values and principles. That is a basic prerequisite for the guaranteeing of democracy and peace, which rest on liberty, freedom, justice and mutual respect. It is a fundamental requirement for a culture of discourse and peace – in clear contrast to the anti-culture of disagreement and war.
Mahatma Gandhi, a major Indian political and spiritual leader, once said: “My house is not to be surrounded by a wall and my windows are not to be locked. The cultures of all countries are to blow through my house with as little hindrance as possible. But I shall not let myself be blown away by anyone”.
Cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and the economic hit of culture have now gained a top position on the list of items of the EU. The choice of the union to declare 2008 the Year of Intercultural Dialogue is the latest step in a durable plan to construct an ever closer union between the peoples of Europe. It also provides all citizens with the prospect of participating actively in intercultural dialogue in order to reinforce the coexistence of different cultural identities and beliefs, to underscore their common heritage, and at the same time to acknowledge the differences of individual and local experiences.
As European citizenships, we have to bear in mind that through intercultural dialogue we can highlight the contribution of different cultures and expressions of cultural diversity. Intercultural Dialogue should contribute to assist the nations of the world, not only with the European Union, through various ways and means in the construction of a civilisation where diversities increase and improve, rather than threat the global human community.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP
www.davidcasa.eu
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