The nature of being ‘global’

A vital component of the campaign is that the Manifesto is global. The Global Manifesto on Human Diversity aims to listen to the wide variety of voices around the theme of Diversity, and the international aspect of it allows for many different opinions to be included. The choice to make the Manifesto global rather than based in one small region of the world allows it to transcend individual countries and acknowledges the diverse experiences and opinions of people from around the world. The Global Manifesto on Human Diversity aims to embrace the various approaches to Diversity, in combination with recognising the roles that each individual’s distinct circumstances and experiences have shaped their views. Therefore, through being a global campaign rather than one centred in one country or a limited geographic area, the Manifesto embraces Diversity and the range of interpretations of this term.

In addition, by being a global campaign, the Manifesto can celebrate the worldwide similarities in understandings of Diversity. This campaign is able to gather a variety of perspectives on Diversity, which can echo and support each other whilst originating in different backgrounds and experiences. We are all different, but our differences mirror and complement each other, and this is demonstrated in the common themes in attitudes towards Diversity.

I find it inspiring that so much is shared between different interpretations of Diversity, and it excites me to think of the contributions the Global Manifesto will make to understandings of the meaning of Diversity. As a British woman living in Austria, these facts contribute to my personal interpretation of Diversity. The meaning that I ascribe to Diversity is found amongst both my friends in my new home and in my old home. The shared meanings we have of Diversity are not restricted to geographical boundaries but instead unite us through our Diversity.

Contribute your ideas and discover which opinions you share with other people around the world!

(Leonora Barclay)