how do we create an inclusive society?
August 5, 2007
The Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) of the United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs (UNDESA) recently held an E-dialogue on “Creating an Inclusive Society: Practical Strategies to promote Social Integration”. This E-dialogue was organized by DSPD in collaboration with UNESCO and UN-HABITAT, from 22 May to 20 June 2007 – and makes for fascinating reading. 252 international participants from a range of stakeholder groups participated in this dialogue and shared their views and opinions on how to create a more inclusive society.
The summary document from the E-dialogue makes for fascinating reading for those involved and interested in the development sector. Summary of E-Dialogue on Social Inclusion
The E-dialogue was held over a period of four weeks and this discussion forum provided the space for participation regardless of location. However one wonders whether those who are most excluded from society where best represented by those who participated in the discussion. So this raises the question of who represents who in dialogue around social inclusion? Who develops the definition for social integration? Does the very process of discussing integration and inclusion by a group of academics, researchers, activists, governments, experts, consultants and international organisations, in effect perpetuate the exclusion of those living on the periphery of our cities and on the fringes of society?
Where in the world are you?
August 4, 2007
I’ve just stumbled across a great website called WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU?
This site uses web 2.0 features to provide a space for South Africans, wherever they may be located, to log on and share information about what they miss about home. This is an initiative of The Homecoming Revolution with funding by DBSA and FNB.
Its no surprise that Jacqueline in Perth misses biltong and boerowors… Doug in the USA misses the bushveld… Ian in Moscow misses red wine and the climate …. Namous in Delhi misses the fresh air…. Lungile in Senegal misses Ubuntu…. and Gordon in Lugo misses the Rainbow Culture…. unsurprisingly most also mentioning missing family and friends and niknaks.
What is interesting is how dispersed South Africans have become and even though many have settled elsewhere they still yearn for home and take the time to go-online and affirm this. Most are based in the UK with 2924 registered users, 1135 in the States, 658 in Australia, 319 in New Zealand, and so the numbers reduce from there with a few mentions in offbeat locations such as Kazaksthan, Laos and French Guinea.
An online survey is used as a tool to ascertain reasons for emigrating, levels of education, current location and occupations – along with the more lighthearted categories such as what food one misses most. With 2010, growth in the economy and the current scarce skills shortages in South Africa The Homecoming Revolution is cleverly making use of technology to instigate and facilitate a return home.
