World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, also known as Diversity Day, is celebrated on May 21 every year. Its goal is to highlight the richness of the world’s different cultures, but also to raise awareness about the role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
The impact of cultural diversity
Cultural diversity refers to the variety of societies and cultures around the world. Our differences in beliefs, traditions, languages, customs and values shape our worldviews and identities.
Despite modern communication and growing interconnections, cultural diversity is still the root cause for many conflicts. According to the UN, 89% of all current conflicts involve countries with low intercultural dialogue.
At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity — in particular, through innovative use of media and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) — are conducive to dialogue among civilizations and cultures, respect and mutual understanding. Intercultural dialogue is enriching and as such, a major vector of economic growth and reduction of poverty.
Diversity is essential for a healthy, vibrant and inclusive society that values the contributions of all its members by creating an environment that recognizes the differences between those cultures and backgrounds and celebrates them. A diverse society brings together people from different backgrounds and experiences. People with different perspectives and ways of thinking bring fresh perspectives leading to new ideas and solutions. This exchange of viewpoints and ideas fosters innovation and creativity.
Foundever™: A culture of diversity
Foundever operates out of 45 countries globally and in +60 languages, and for us, celebrating cultural diversity means recognizing and respecting our differences. We aim to leverage the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual brings to the table, by creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.
Our associates come from many different cultural backgrounds. We strongly encourage them to share their values and ideas with a unique voice of the employee approach, leveraging their differences to improve collaboration and operations as a whole.
We invest in our +170K global community to drive innovation, share ideas and develop each other in a culture of engagement, recognition and learning.
For our +750 clients, celebrating cultural diversity means understanding and respecting the unique cultural contexts in which they operate. We recognize that what works in one culture may not work in another and, thanks to the diversity of the cultural backgrounds of our associates, we adapt our approach accordingly. By embracing cultural diversity, we build stronger relationships with our clients, better understand their needs and provide more personalized solutions. Each of the +9 million customer interactions we facilitate daily is enhanced by this value.
Shared values
World Day for Cultural Diversity is one great opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of human cultures around the world. We can create more inclusive and welcoming environments that foster collaboration, innovation and mutual understanding by embracing cultural diversity.
As we continue to navigate this increasingly interconnected world, we must recognize and celebrate the diversity of different cultures and raise awareness about the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. At Foundever, our shared cultural values bring us together and guide us, and our celebrated diversity is the foundation that differentiates us as an organization.
We’re passionate about becoming the world’s most inclusive BPO provider. Read more about our focus on inclusion and diversity through our strategy for Environmental, Social and Governance.