In a time of increasing division and polarization, it is more important than ever to bring cultures together. To truly understand the hopes and concerns of people from other countries, we need to engage in dialogue with them. Fortunately, this kind of cultural exchange is supported by the Bridging Cultures initiative of The Hope Foundation.
On Thursday, January 30th, we had the privilege of welcoming two guest speakers from Iran and Eritrea. The event began with a discussion on the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) before we split into two groups. In each group, one of the speakers shared insights into the biggest challenges facing their country and the efforts being made to address them. They also spoke about their journey to Germany and the obstacles they encountered along the way. This gave us the opportunity to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of their cultural backgrounds.
The workshop was a valuable addition to our third-semester topic, Saving the Planet. It helped us realize that while global solutions are essential, we must not overlook local challenges. To conclude the session, both groups prepared and presented three topics about Iran or Eritrea, ensuring that everyone gained a broader perspective.
Mateo L.
