WHY DO so many continue to view the world through a lens of ‘us vs them'?

Journeys of Belonging challenges this stark dichotomy through a range of video testimonies by young leaders and public figures from around the world about facets of their identity and the shared experiences that unite them. Personal identity is complex, multi-layered and one of the most pertinent demonstrations of diversity in society. 

It's a joint project of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the British Council's Our Shared Future project, the University of Missouri School of Journalism and the Reynolds Institute. Journeys of Belonging is an original multimedia project that takes an in-depth look at the personal narratives of 17 men and women of a diverse range of ages, backgrounds and religions.

A group of Missouri students produced 114 astounding video testimonials from people including former President of Portugal Jorge Sampaio, Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Auma Obama, and activist and athlete Beatrice Faumuina to shine a spotlight on the fundamental things we share in common through the many identities each of us hold. 

Journeys of Belonging tackles mistaken religious, cultural and gender identity stereotypes like the inaccurate assumption that non-Westerners hold contrary values to those of Americans, the British and other Europeans.

"This innovative multimedia project has the ambition to explain through short personal testimonials how our identities are much more complex and multiple than stereotypes. We all hold various roles in various aspects of our lives," says UNAOC Director Marc Scheuer.

These video narratives have been compiled on a website where users can explore stories by theme or by person.

"Part of what it means to develop the skills to live in multicultural, diverse societies is to recognize that we are the product of diverse strands of identity. Personal stories play an important role," says Our Shared Future project manager Emmanuel Kattan of the British Council.

Contact Info:

British Council:
Alexandra Dimsdale, Head of Press and Communications, alexandra.dimsdale@britishcouncil.org | www.britishcouncil.org/usa | www.oursharedfuture.org

UNAOC:
Stephanie Durand, Strategic Media Partnerships Manager, stephanied@unops.org