Dialogue among civilizations is part of the fundamental structure of the United Nations. This point was underlined by former Secretary-General, Kofi Annan when he stated, “The United Nations was created in the belief that dialogue can triumph over discord, that diversity is a universal virtue and that the peoples of the world are far more united by their common fate than they are divided by their separate identities.”
Most conflicts stem from intolerance which is often brought on by ignorance. The diversity of the world makes for an enriching experience in sharing and learning about our differences, experience that can foster peaceful coexistence between peoples. Inter-cultural dialogue entails the sharing of ideas and differences with the intent of developing a deeper understanding of different perspectives and practices. According to UNESCO, intercultural dialogue fosters social cohesion and helps to create an environment conducive to sustainable development. Universities and institutions of higher learning have a unique capacity to foster intercultural dialogue because they are hubs of knowledge and discourse.
Young people want to build societies based on equity, social justice, inclusion and a shared future, all of which require inclusive socio-economic growth based on democratic and inclusive governance systems as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms, including cultural diversity. Young people can play a crucial role in advancing intercultural dialogue and cross cultural understanding and they can help shape the social, economic, political and cultural life of their communities and their countries.
About the Hub: CETYS Universidad is a university in Mexicali, Mexico whose goal is to contribute to the education of people so that they can fully participate in the economic, social and cultural improvement of the country. To achieve this, it seeks to inculcate in its students the following basic human values: that duties must be fulfilled; truth and goodness are natural attributes that must be pursued by all; man’s intelligence should be accompanied by courage and tenacity; freedom is universal in its application and pursuit, and respect among people is both internal and external.
As UNAI’s global hub for Inter-cultural Dialogue, CETYS has worked with UNAI to consolidate learning experiences for its student community, thereby enabling them to understand and contribute to global affairs and causes. Activities include the FORTES program for social leadership, in which young people focus on the value of multiculturalism and develop a culture of tolerance for diversity.
CETYS Universidad Campus Mexicali
Introduction to CETYS Universidad Campus Mexicali
CETYS is an institution of higher education dedicated to excellence and strategically located alongside the US-Mexico border, connected globally via the Pacific Ocean and in one of the most prosperous states in the Northwestern part of Mexico.