How can the North benefit from the experiences of the South in managing diverse societies democratically – and vice versa? What can we learn from each other?
These were the key questions on managing diversity considered at a workshop of experts held in Pretoria, South Africa on 26–27 November 2008. The discussions marked the launch of International IDEA’s new project on “Managing diversity within a democratic framework.”
Researchers, practitioners and social activists from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe compared perspectives for addressing ethnic, cultural, religious, linguistic and other types of diversity. How should a democratic state deal with religious diversity? How does globalization affect diversity? How can democratic governance best harmonize individual and community rights? How to tackle the complex issue of identity in multicultural societies?
Bolivia with its indigenous peoples emerging on the political stage, India with its centuries old history of interaction between multiple religions and customs, South Africa with its unique transition from apartheid to democracy, all inspired the debate and provided an understanding of the issues involved in this critical cross-cutting theme of democracy-building.
Participants at the ‘Democracy & Diversity’ Expert Consultation
held in Pretoria, 26-27 November 2008.
Photo: Carlos Camacho Nassar
