In our societies, we observe a lack of understanding for each other. This lack of understanding makes it easy to divide society into "We" and "Others". Societal division increases, the less prejudice is recognised and reflected about. Exclusion and segregation then become the accepted norm. This also makes it easy to instrumentalise group belonging. Moreover, it creates problems for democratic culture in general. It also creates problems for individual freedom and dignity - because discriminination massively restricts the free development of people's abilities as well as their ability to live a self-determined life.

 

At the same time, the entire society loses in sustainability in this interconnected world. It becomes less diverse and less progressive. For the economy, appreciation in the workplace is key for employees. Studies show, for instance, that diverse teams have increased productivity, that they develop more ideas and that they are perceived more positively.