Becoming Inclusive Citizens of the World
DIVERSITY & YOUTH CAMP 2014
28-30 March 2014
Banquet Hall, Sultan Ibrahim Chancellery Building
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru.
NURTURING GLOBAL MINDSETS: BECOMING INCLUSIVE CITIZENS OF THE WORLD
We begin from the premise that education is more than academic achievements alone. Education is also about nurturing values and developing character. It is about returning what we have gained to our respective communities. It is therefore imperative for all of us to not only understand diversity but to appreciate and embrace it, so that we will live together harmoniously with mutual acceptance and respect.
Diversity starts with understanding that each individual is unique and recognising our individual differences. Diversity can be viewed in the dimensions of race, culture, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religious beliefs, political beliefs, gender, age groups and any form of orientation or ideology. How each of us ascribes to these dimensions determines our approach in managing diversity and our view about our world.
Inclusion is the active, intentional and ongoing engagement with the various dimensions of diversity amongst us – specifically in our case here, among our students and in the curriculum of our education – with the intent of achieving a heightened awareness in appreciating, embracing and celebrating diversity.
Moderation in thought and leadership, peaceful co-existance, democracy and rule of law within civil societies, and whose daily action will be evidenced by how they appreciate, embrace and celebrate the Concept of Diversity and Inclusion.
In 2012, UCSI University (UCSI) joined efforts with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Harmony Works to organise the ‘Inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Youth Camp’, themed ’Open Hearts and Minds’. Her Royal Highness Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah graciously agreed to be our patron and delivered the opening remarks on this auspicious occasion.
Now in 2014, we reprise the inaugural event, opening it up to the international student community in Educity Johor and extending the programme to include a one-day seminar for university staff and students to share their perspectives on diversity and inclusion, and begin a journey to deeper understanding and relationship-building across cultures. This will prepare them individually, and as a cohort, to realise their role as global citizens in a borderless world.
May this be a clarion call to new ways of leadership that foster mutual respect and celebration of the diversity of gifts that each bring to society and the world.