Multiculturalism and Building Peace – Lessons from Four Nations: Roundtable Reflection
By Alayna Brandolini
Representatives from four nations: Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Cambodia, and Kenya, gathered at the Library of Congress on March 5 for the roundtable discussion, Multiculturalism and Building Peace: Lessons from Four Nations, hosted by the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace.
The guest speakers included Mr. Sahib Naghiyev, the Deputy Head of the state committee for work with religious organizations in Azerbaijan, Dr. S. Rob Sobhani, a business executive from Bahrain who focuses on multinational energy innovation, Mr. Socheat Oum, a diplomat and public servant from Cambodia, and Mr. Bartholomew Lumbasi, an education attaché at the Embassy of Kenya.
During the event, the speakers shared the ways that their countries have fostered peaceful and cohesive societies by embracing ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity. They emphasized the importance of viewing diversity as a strength, not a means of division.
Speaking in his native Azerbaijani, Mr. Naghiyev framed multiculturalism as a necessity in a rapidly globalizing sociopolitical landscape. He explained that multiculturalism exists on the basis of mutual respect and equality, and emphasized that not just tolerance, but the mutual enrichment gained from diversity is a driver of intellectual and moral progress. Mr. Naghiyev called on politicians to avoid using divisive rhetoric for political gain and encouraged leaders to promote and celebrate diversity as a form of strength and enrichment.
Mr. Naghiyev explained that, in 2016, the President of Azerbaijan issued a presidential decree to declare a “Year of Multiculturalism” and celebrate Azerbaijan as a multicultural refuge for persecuted groups throughout history. I found it inspiring to hear multiculturalism so openly praised and promoted by the highest office in the nation, and felt that many other countries could benefit from following this example.
Dr. Sobhani described Bahrain as “a small country with a big heart,” and emphasized that many diverse cultures have come together in the country to create a rich society based on mutual respect.
Mr. Socheat Oum of Cambodia discussed the state’s struggle for peace and shared how peace begins within the self and family. He emphasized communication and trust as essential to peacebuilding.
Mr. Bartholomew Lumbasi described the ways Kenya has acted as a regional peacekeeper in the past and to this day. As an expert in education, Mr. Lumbasi advocated for multiculturalism, peace, and respect to be taught in schools. He described how, by facilitating communication between diverse groups at young ages, states can build more harmonious communities. Mr. Lumbasi also discussed how Kenya is working to institutionalize peace and multiculturalism within the constitution and through systematic reforms.
The four speakers shared insightful messages regarding their views on peacebuilding and multiculturalism. At the core of all of their discussion was the simple claim: diversity makes us stronger. In an increasingly interconnected global society, it is important that governments, groups, and individuals recognize the mutual benefits of multiculturalism in building peaceful, inclusive, and innovative communities.