Dr Win Myat Aye addresses the Forum on Diversity Management in the Age of Globalization in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: MNA
Forum on Diversity Management in the Age of Globalization was held yesterday at the Mingalar Thiri Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw.
Diversity management experts from local and foreign countries discussed several topics including Policy and Conceptual Frameworks, Experiences from Southeast Asia and Experiences from Europe and Africa.
Following is the excerpts of the discussion at the forum which attracted prominent persons from different faiths, ethnic people, youths and experts.
Dr. Win Myat Aye, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement
Though diverse in faiths, ethnicity and languages, we, people of national races are staying together in the Union. No matter diverse are we in terms of religions, languages and ethnicities, we need to have the Spirit of the Union. With the Spirit of Union, we can reach out goal of a deferral union.
Conflicts occur due to lack of unity and misunderstanding among the peoples and communities. Only understanding can bring smooth relations among the communities. This is the theme of this event.
Prof. Dr Walter Kaelin (University of Bern)
importance of diversity management
“Countries like Myanmar are composed of many different groups, different cultures, diff ethnicities, different religions. Unless you manage this diversity, you will end up in tensions, in conflicts, even in violence. So the state has a responsibility to manage that diversity in a way that all different communities can feel respected and included.
Myanmar has made big steps forward, has accepted that it is a diverse country, has opted for federalism as a solution, a lot remains to be done, if we look at the recent wave of violence in Rakhine, this is an indication that more needs to be done,.
This is up to Myanmar. There are no models that simply can be copied, First to accept that there is diversity, second accept that maybe past approach has not led to peace and stability, that there is a need for a change of mindset, and what we need is leadership from political leaders, making sure all communities, all religions, all languages, all the people have the same right to be included in the society and to be included in the country.”
Dr. Myint Thein, Writer Nyein Chan Lulin,
Patron of the Peace Building Network
People with diversity in races, culture and religions is the pride of Myanmar. The country’s people struggled in the past and today we passed the democracy arch and our federal goal is in our sight. To reach the federal goal, acknowledging and valuing the diversity is sine qua non. Our country’s people are weak for learning about the diversity management and they are worried about the value and situation of communities when diverse things are becoming together because we can not see changes in the world.
It is found that countries became developed one as they could combine their diverse strengths. So, I’d like to urge the people of our country to ease their worries.
With changing our mindset, we should make the best use of the strengths and benefits of diversity to build a peace and developed federal union.
Daw Cathleen Thein (Hindu Women’s Network)
It is important for us to see the common interest among the diversity. Besides local people with diverse culture today in Myanmar, we can see many foreigners who do investment in our country.
Though we have different colour, races, nationalities, faiths and countries, the common desire we have is to live in a country which has peace and security.
Ashin Thizzana (Katkyaw Panna Parami Philanthropic Society in Magway Township)
Conflicts come from discrimination and from not accepting diversity. Conflicts can not bring peace to our country. This kind of event is not enough to disseminate knowledge on diversity. We should teach the value of diversity in classrooms. To gain peace, understanding the value of diversity should begin at home.
Dr Su Su Thar Tun, Senior Adviser, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator
Myanmar has diverse cultures. How can we make use of our diversity to develop Myanamr. Diversity can give strength, but sometimes can bring challenges.
To gain strength from the diversity and to reduce challenges, Myanmar should learn experiences of foreign countries which also handled the diversity.
This event is aimed at turning diversity of the participants with diverse cultures, and faiths to strength of the country.
Diversity Management forum becomes as we assume that we need capability to manage the diversity of the country.
Ko Zaw, Insein
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