‘Good people of the world unite.’ How can we win the fight for tolerance?

Talking about Canada’s success in integrating of different cultures, its acceptance of refugees and pioneering of LGBT rights legislation, Ratna Omidvar, Senator for Ontario, Canada, said: “Canada is a new country, protected because we’re on top of the world and share a safe and secure border with a very secure country. Multiculturalism is one of our symbols – it ranks up there with maple syrup.”

Omidvar also cited research that shows how investment in refugees can result in greater economic returns – a theme picked up in another discussion on racism.

Speaking in the same session, Yasmina Filali, Founder and President of the Fondation Orient Occident, shared a positive message from her country. “Morocco is a Muslim, Berber country and we received black Africans, mainly Christians. It was difficult but we succeeded by culture and education. There were festivals, markets, cooperatives that mixed locals and migrants, sensibilization to media. It was long-term work, but powerful.”

Read the full article on the World Economic Forum’s website.