Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has transformed the world into a global village. Distance is no longer a barrier and we are more connected today than ever before. Our societies have become more mixed and plural than they were in the past centuries. Despite these remarkable changes, in recent years we have been witnessing increasing of intolerance, xenophobia and hate crimes. Changing demographics coupled with increasing socio-economic challenges have bred fear and resentment among people. The negative exploitation of differences is one of the biggest obstacles to peaceful coexistence in our societies. Dimensions of differences such as ethnicity, religious beliefs, race, gender, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities and political ideologies are negatively exploited to divide people, exclude others, hold power and deny people their rights. This is a big challenge to our common future. In order to have a peaceful future we must build inclusive and sustainable societies.
The purpose of this module is to help participants to embrace an understanding of the concept of diversity that goes beyond tolerance to acceptance, respect and peaceful coexistence. Employing variety of methodologies including case studies, role-plays, simulations, brainstorming and games, the module seeks to create a space for participants to explore the positive dimensions of differences, appreciate the fact that each individual is unique, and celebrate individual differences as an elegant feature of our humanity. Beyond seeking to improve personal self-awareness, attitude and actions of individuals toward others, the course aspires to stimulate an awakening of individual and collective consciousness toward the triumph of unity and love over fear.