Professor Mansouri was honoured to participate in a panel discussion on 6 November 2024. He joined other leading international experts at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. The panel marked the pre-launch of a groundbreaking UNESCO publication. The publication is titled “More than Welcome: Intercultural Integration of Migrants through Higher Education.”
Sara Habibi, Peacebuilding Specialist, UNITAR, gave the opening remarks. Habibi noted that the publication fills gaps in understanding how to create learning environments where migrants feel welcome. She added that it also offers directions that we can move in to develop our understanding of our institutional responsibilities as well as our personal role in fostering intercultural institutions.
Dr Darla Deardorff moderated the panel. Dr Deardorff is the Chairholder of the UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competencies at Stellenbosch University. The panel discussion explored the publication’s insights on how higher education can be a catalyst for the intercultural integration of migrants.
Panellists discussed the role of institutions in addressing societal challenges faced by migrant learners, while fostering mutual understanding, and preparing students for global citizenship.
The discussion touched on themes of shared responsibility, reciprocity, inclusivity, civic and human rights education and active citizenship.
