Globalization has accelerated the interaction of people from many different cultural and religious backgrounds, yet there is growing concern that national identities and diversity are being challenged in many countries across the globe. In numerous countries, multiculturalism as a national policy is in retreat and we are seeing a public demand for the better integration of minorities while public debate on limiting immigration has also been opened up. Populist parties in the West and elsewhere are emerging and challenging previously held liberal principles and consensus of national identities. Are we entering a new phase of nationalism? What are the consequences? Is this a global or temporary phenomena? This session will provide a global analysis and conversation on managing diversity in a time of turmoil and set the stage for a better understanding of what is transpiring across our planet.

Speakers:

Kyle Matthews - Executive Director, Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, Concordia University, Canada

Jasdeep Randhawa - International Development and Legal Consultant, Global Diplomacy Lab, India

Natalya Nepomnyashcha - Founder and Managing Director, Netzwerk Chancen, Germany

Josiane Khoury - Donor Relations Specialist, UNICEF Lebanon