Lectures and Trainings

   

Public Lecture – “Pluralism and National Identity: Canadian Perspectives on Ethnic Diversity and Human Rights in Georgia”

On November 29, 2006 the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies hosted a public lecture on Pluralism and National Identity delivered by Mile Komlen. Mr. Komlen is a human rights lawyer from Canada with over 20 years of advancing equity and diversity in corporate, community and institutional settings. He is currently the Chairperson of the Human Rights/Equity Advisory Group of the Law Society of Upper Canada, and Senior Diversity Consultant at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Mr. Komlen's topic was "Pluralism and National Identity: Canadian Perspectives on Ethnic Diversity and Human Rights in Georgia". Mr. Komlen  shared  some observations on peaceful co-existence among ethnic and linguistic minorities, on the example of Canada. He explained how the concept of multiculturalism has allowed Canada to foster a national discourse based on mutual respect and harmony.

Mr. Komlen suggested that Georgia could draw on the Canadian experience by formulating a national strategy aimed at integrating diverse populations into a cohesive framework to promote civic nationalism. He used examples from Canada's recent actions to reinforce official bilingualism and recognize its francophone minority as a nation within its borders. He also related the Canadian experience to emerging issues confronting Georgian statehood following the Rose Revolution.

Mr. Komlen argued that  this prevailing rights discourse can yield tangible benefits for  national security, political and economic stability, and an emerging business climate.