Seminar in Cairo discusses diversity, coexistence; calls for strengthening Arab-Kurdish partnership

The seminar, titled “Managing Diversity and Coexistence: From Challenge to Opportunity,” was held in Cairo on Sunday, organized by the Nefertiti Publishing and Research House, with the participation of academics, politicians, journalists and intellectuals. Participants discussed ways to manage cultural and social diversity in the Middle East and promote coexistence among the region’s communities.

The seminar addressed several topics. The Secretary-General of the Egyptian Social Democratic Party, Bassem Kamel, opened the discussions by reviewing the reality of cultural, linguistic and social diversity in the Middle East, the challenges it faces, the impact of stereotypes and prejudices on relations between communities, and the role of educational and media institutions in managing diversity.

Writer and researcher Ghada Jaber discussed the concept of inclusive citizenship and community partnership, stressing the importance of building trust among social groups and promoting equal participation in public life. She also highlighted successful models that support social cohesion.

Meanwhile, Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) representative Layla Musa presented the Kurdish experience in preserving cultural and linguistic identity and the role of Kurds in supporting social stability. She also discussed prospects for strengthening Arab-Kurdish partnership in the fields of culture, education and development.

The seminar, moderated by Taha Ali, Executive Director of the International Foresight Network for Studies, Consultations and Media, was attended by parliamentarians, journalists, media figures, intellectuals, politicians and researchers from Egypt and several Arab countries.

At the conclusion of the event, participants issued recommendations emphasizing that Arab-Kurdish coexistence represents a historic model that deserves political, social and cultural support and development. They stressed that cultural and social diversity should be viewed as an added value rather than a source of division.

The recommendations called for supporting cultural and media initiatives that promote dialogue and mutual understanding among communities, incorporating concepts of pluralism and acceptance of others into educational programs, enhancing the role of youth and women in trust-building initiatives, supporting joint projects in culture, arts and development, and establishing a communication network among researchers, journalists and those interested in diversity and coexistence issues to exchange experiences and expertise.

A-H 

ANHA