In light of the present political and economic scenarios, a step forward towards fostering a better relationship between Europe and Asia through the bridging of differences between the two continents needs to be initiated. By virtue that Asia is becoming an emerging market of the world, a better understanding of its cultures is vital for a more meaningful and fruitful cultural and economic association in the future.
In The Clash of Civilization and the Remaking of World Order by Samuel P. Huntington, he asserts three important issues which divide the West and other societies (1) to maintain its military superiority of weapons (2) to promote Western political values and institutions by pressing other societies to adopt human rights and democracy along Western lines and (3) to protect the cultural, social and ethnic integrity of Western societies. Therefore, prior to these facts we believe that Asia and Europe need to embark on mutual understanding, to work on smart partnerships which are not based on dominance and prejudices.
Before we proceed, the terms “unity in diversity” itself needs to be clearly defined. In my humble opinion, “unity in diversity” should be defined as “the ability to live and interact peacefully and harmoniously without any prior presumptions and prejudices about people of different cultural and religious backgrounds.”
The principle of unity in diversity, should be understood in a wider perspective to include inter-related issues of global peace and socio-economic equality. To a certain extent, the socio-economic development of a country is hampered by the absence of peace and political stability. Human capital, energy and financial resources are diverted to unproductive purposes. We must agree that we cannot expect people to understand “unity in diversity” if they live in an environment of conflict and if they are hungry. Therefore, it is pertinent that the prolonged conflict between Israel and Palestine, Kashmir, and the rest of the world must be stopped immediately. Political will and non-partisan support with regard to the issues surrounding these conflicts are necessary to bring peace to this region.
As the world moves towards a global society, the less-developed nations should not be forgotten. They must be guided to participate in mainstream development. It is the responsibility of all to ensure that the populations of these countries are given the opportunity to free themselves from poverty. Only through the eradication of the socio-economic conditions in these countries, can problems like terrorism be solved.
In the twenty-first century, globalization is considered by many to be the way forward, to foster fairer cross-border trades. Despite the advantages, many countries, especially those less-developed, are concerned with the potential adverse effects of globalization on their local cultures and values. It is important to emphasize that globalization should not to be made a vehicle to impose the cultural values of one country over another.
Within the framework of creating peace and political stability, the world must accept that there is also diversity in governments. Despite the fact that the majority of governments in the world are elected through the process of ‘democracy’, it is certainly democratic to allow the people to choose their own leaders and their own forms of government.
Diversity in culture allows diversity in the ways people do things. The rest of the world, especially the more-developed nations, must avoid “forcing” others to adopt their system of government and should not interfere with the internal affairs of other countries.
Global peace can also be pursued through inter-faith understanding and tolerance. Along this line, there are two issues which need to be addressed. First, religions must be understood without prior prejudice. Second, religions cannot and must not be associated with injustice, tyranny and oppression.
Interfaith understanding and tolerance may be achieved through several ways. First, through the education system. The education system – at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels – must be effectively constructed to propagate the values promoted by religion. This will be made possible by inculcating these values into the curriculum. However, it must be done within the framework of the national agenda.
The education system must also provide an environment and the opportunity for children of different cultural and religious backgrounds, from early ages, to interact and communicate with each other. This will increase their understanding and sibsequently tolerance, as they grow older.
There is also a need to regulate and standardize religious schools. There should be no separation between religion and state. The terms “secular” and “secularism” do not exist in Islam. This step is seen as necessary in order to equip students with knowledge of this world. Therefore, graduates of religious schools may be more easily absorbed into modern society. This will create a positive image concerning religious education itself.
Second, through interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue should be used to effectively promote religious values. These dialogues should focus on fostering universal brotherhood rather than discussing theological issues. This can be achieved by emphasizing what each religion holds in common.
Third, through a greater role from the media. The media is vital in bridging cultural differences between Asia and Europe. Negative and sensationalized reports are damaging efforts to promote cultural and religious understanding and tolerance.
Fourth, through settlement programs. Settlement programs may be used effectively to integrate multi-cultural and multi-religious societies. Other countries can learn from the experiences of Malaysia in this regard. Development of new housing projects for multi-cultural and multi-religious ownership allows for greater interaction among people of different faiths.
I believe that the real objective of human beings on this earth is to promote justice. This condition can only be achieved if there is will and sincere efforts towards a more peaceful world.
Many Asian countries are rich with natural resources yet many of them are still considered developing countries. Asian countries are continuously looking for ways to put aside their disputes and work towards a common development agenda for the betterment of humanity. This is why the relation and understanding between Asia and Europe needs to be enhanced and maintained so that the two nations may promote civilizational coexistence.
The two civilizations, Europe and Asia, perhaps one of the better examples of unity in diversity, in which the relationship between both civilizations is enhanced through dialogue. Islam has clearly mentioned that God created human beings of different colour, race and ethnic origin not for them to despise each other, but for them to know one another.
