Mamadou Moustapha Ngom Dieng, intercultural mediator for the Devenir Association, has called to stop viewing migration as a problem and to understand it as an opportunity for cultural and social enrichment, during a UIK summer course in Donostia. The course took place on September 2nd and 3rd, with the collaboration of Batuz Gizarte Fundazioa and eLankidetza.
Ngom Dieng emphasized the importance of creating spaces for real participation, the value of cultural diversity, and the difficulties faced by migrants. "Inclusion is not just a theoretical principle, it is a daily practice that is built from neighborhoods and community relationships," he stated.
From an intercultural mediation perspective, an inclusive community is one "in which all people feel they are part of it." To achieve this, "comfortable, calm, and safe spaces" must be created, where "each person can participate and express themselves from their own identity, regardless of their origin, culture, or gender."
Sports and culture, as well as associations, generate a "strong sense of belonging" and reinforce identity. "They have the capacity to bring different people together. This does not mean that discrimination does not exist, but they are places where, on many occasions, people can connect beyond their racial origin, gender, or cultural differences," he explained, citing footballer Lamine Yamal.
When discussing migration, Ngom Dieng stressed that "human mobility is natural and has existed throughout history." "Migration is not a problem, but should be understood as an opportunity that contributes to the cultural and social enrichment of our communities," he noted.
Mediation works to combat disinformation and to "analyze how narratives are constructed and where interests lie." "When a person understands where a certain narrative comes from and what its purpose is, they have more tools to question it and prevent it from influencing their thinking," he added.
