What happens when passionate people from different cultures come together to address some of the world’s biggest challenges?
Our latest Intercultural DialogueON event tackled exactly that - a powerful conversation about the role of understanding, inclusivity, and dialogue in making real change, especially in the fight against climate change.
We had two amazing speakers - Swornima Khatri and Olamide Adesina - who shared their insights on why cultural exchange isn’t just important; it’s essential. And the audience had a lot to say too!
The Power of Listening: Swornima’s Take
Swornima Khatri, co-founder of Planet Pulse Nepal, is highly experienced in breaking cultural barriers. She’s working to bring climate education into schools and push for better dialogue around sustainability.
Her key message: Listening matters just as much as speaking. She shared a valuable Nepalese saying: "We have two ears to listen more than one mouth to speak.” and reminded us about active listening. She emphasized that real change starts when we acknowledge different perspectives, share experiences, and learn from each other - instead of talking over one another.
She also pointed out something crucial: while technology connects us, it doesn’t automatically bring understanding. Miscommunication and division still happen - so how do we fix that? By actively fostering inclusivity and keeping conversations open.
Olamide’s Challenge: More Tolerance, Less Bias
Olamide, a programme manager at the Climate Emerge Innovation Development (CEID) Hub, called out something we all see but rarely address: the growing intolerance in the world.
Why is it happening? She pointed to biased media, digital echo chambers, and plain old indifference. This is leading to more cyberbullying, less understanding, and a world where people struggle to see beyond their own perspectives.
Her solution? Dialogue, education, and stepping outside our comfort zones. She emphasized that we need to actively seek out different viewpoints, integrate cultural awareness into our learning, and focus on social inclusion. Because the more we understand each other, the better equipped we are to tackle the big stuff - like climate action and global cooperation.
The Audience Speaks: Big Questions, Bigger Takeaways
The discussion didn’t stop there…Our audience also shared some comments.
💡 Intercultural dialogue isn’t just about tolerance - it’s about acceptance.
💡 We are ALL global citizens - our backgrounds might be different, but we all have something to contribute.
💡 Education is everything - breaking stereotypes and making cultural awareness a priority can lead to real change.
One participant pointed out the importance of knowledge-sharing. What works in one region could be valuable in another - and that’s why we need more global conversations like this.
Another attendee posed a question: How can intercultural dialogue be used to address global disagreements? This is one that we need to continually address, at the local, national, and international level.
So, What’s Next?
This conversation was just the beginning. Now it’s up to all of us to take action. Here’s how you can keep the momentum going:
✅ Listen more. Like Swornima said, let’s focus on active listening.
✅ Step outside your bubble. Seek out different perspectives, have conversations with people from different backgrounds, and challenge your assumptions.
✅ Speak up. Got an idea? A perspective? A solution? Share it. Because dialogue only works if we all take part.
Let’s keep this energy alive. Whether it’s climate action, cultural inclusion, or global cooperation, real change happens when we come together!
~Naomi Lea
