For the past several years, the world has been gripped by escalating violence. Peace has been repeatedly shattered. Peace is not merely the absence of violence; it is the presence of mutual respect and social trust among diverse groups. Violence erupts when communities feel excluded or discriminated against. When diversity is acknowledged, valued, and celebrated, individuals feel a sense of belonging and dignity. When fraternity ~ a shared sense of belonging ~ weakens and gives way to mistrust and fear, peace erodes.

Across much of the world, partitioned histories, colonial disruptions, and entrenched hierarchies have produced nations that are constitutionally stitched together but socially fragile. When diversity ~ differences in identity ~ are perceived as threats rather than sources of richness, a society becomes unstable. The time is now when we should more openly celebrate diversity. As Maya Angelou has said, “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their colour; equal in importance no matter their texture.”

The United Nations has declared “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” as Sustainable Development Goal 16. Achieving this goal requires recognizing that many conflicts arise from disrespect for differences and the tendency to look down upon others. In structured societies, the belief that “we” are superior to “them” and therefore entitled to greater privileges lies at the root of injustice. Institutions are created as a collective ~ by the people and for the people. Disruption of peace and creation of injustice weakens institutions. Celebrating diversity is the bedrock for attainment of SDG 16 ~ peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Celebrating diversity fosters dialogue. Dialogue reduces ignorance, and reduced ignorance diminishes fear. Fear is often the seed of conflict. Societies must create spaces where difference ~ whether of appearance, gender, language, culture, or values ~ are understood rather than feared. Such understanding is nurtured through education, responsible media, sound public policy, and active civil society engagement. Peace becomes sustainable when it is rooted in inclusion. Inclusion that........

© The Statesman