A three-day workshop on peace, culture and tolerance and the management of cultural diversity in Africa opened in Yaounde on July, 27, 2015.

The culture of peace and tolerance in the context of diversity has over the years been discussed at various international fora. The International Islamic Education, the Sciences and Cultural Organisation, ISESCO, has taken up the theme since 2004 following the adoption of the “Islamic Declaration on Cultural Diversity” at the Fourth Islamic Conference in Algiers. Cameroon, with over 250 ethnic groups, is an example of peace and cohesion on the continent. It is in this light that a three-day workshop on peace, culture, tolerance and the management of cultural diversity in Africa opened in Yaounde on July, 27, 2015.

Speaking at the opening, the Inspector General in the Ministry of Basic Education, Charles Nanga, said African States cannot fulfil their dreams if crises continue to plague them and impact the economy negatively. He assured the participants of government’s support and also called on them to work hands-in-glove and come up with concrete proposals for the benefit of the Cameroonian people and Africans in general. For three days, participants will discuss the situation of cultural action in promoting the culture of peace, tolerance and the management of cultural diversity in Africa. They will also identify tools necessary for drafting new cultural policies on sustainable peace and better management of cultural diversity, among others.

ISESCO works for the development of cultural mediation through polices and cultural programmes in a vast network of agreements of cooperation with cultures aimed at promoting sustainable coexistence and the need to live together. Organised by the International Islamic Education, the Sciences and Cultural Organisation in collaboration with the National Commission for UNESCO, the workshop brings together 30 participants from across the country.