25/06/2025
The first plenary on Unpacking Multiculturalism panel at ICCS 2025 gave us a sobering and necessary look at the state of multiculturalism in our divided world. It was clear that this is not some perfect ideal or naive hope. Instead, the panel recognized just how fragile multicultural societies are, especially with so many global challenges weighing down on us.
One key idea that stood out was how prejudice and discrimination are not fixed things. They grow stronger when people face uncertainty and crisis. Whether it is war, climate disasters, pandemics, or economic troubles, communities tend to pull inward, becoming more suspicious and divided. This isn’t just theory. It is happening all around us right now.
Another important point was the sharp decline in trust towards institutions. Around the world, people are losing faith in governments, media, and NGOs. Many of these institutions are falling short when it comes to protecting and including all members of society. With this in mind, the panel reminded us that multiculturalism cannot simply be left to governments to manage. It takes a broad group of people — businesses, faith groups, researchers, media, and everyday individuals — all working together to build truly inclusive communities.
Prof Colleen Ward and Ed Williams highlighted something we believe strongly at Roses of Peace. Positive interactions across cultures, trust, and social cohesion do not happen by accident. They must be carefully built, supported by leaders, and maintained under the right conditions. Without deliberate effort, these delicate connections can break, and in the gaps, disinformation, fear, and extremism find space to grow.
The panel also pointed out how disinformation and threats like climate change or conflict wear down the very foundations needed for peaceful coexistence. In a world where facts are questioned and stories are twisted, keeping multiculturalism alive becomes even more difficult — and even more essential.
And yet, it is exactly for these reasons that conversations like this must continue. We cannot give up on dialogue or community building just because the times are hard. As the panel reminded us, multiculturalism is not a finish line we cross and forget. It is an ongoing, often difficult journey. One that requires constant care, humility, and shared responsibility.
At Roses of Peace, we understand that multiculturalism is fragile because it is deeply human. Like everything human, it thrives only when it is cared for, questioned, defended, and rebuilt — over and over again.
