The Chairman of Waterhouse Consulting Group, Dr Waqar Azmi OBE has been appointed EU Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue. The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) was established by Decision N° 1983/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (18 December 2006).

Europe is becoming more culturally diverse. The enlargement of the European Union, deregulation of employment laws and globalisation have increased the multicultural character of many countries, adding to the number of languages, religions, ethnic  and cultural backgrounds found on the continent. As a result, intercultural dialogue has an increasingly important role to play in fostering European identity and citizenship.

The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (EYID) recognises that Europe’s great cultural diversity represents a unique advantage. It will encourage all those living in Europe to explore the benefits of our rich cultural heritage and opportunities to learn from different cultural traditions.

Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Chairman & Managing Partner of Waterhouse Consulting Group said: “Globalisation is creating huge opportunities as well as great challenges and inter-cultural dialogue has become far more critical in dealing with these than ever before. We have to step up the pace to not only meet the challenges as well as reap the benefits but also create an environment where everyone has the right to the same opportunities, freedom and respect”.

“For me, lack of inter-cultural dialogue creates misperceptions about ‘the other’ which in turn can lead to racism, injustice, unfairness and intolerance. Our world has witnessed these post 9/11 and for me, therefore, this must be the greatest priority for all of us, whoever we are, what our our contributions, however small or big”, he said.

For more information please visit:

http://ec.europa.eu/culture/index_en.htm
http://www.interculturaldialogue2008.eu
http://www.interculturaldialogue2008.eu/418.0.html