Dialogue and tolerance "educational challenges" in the French multicultural society
November 28, 2021, 8:28 am

WhatsApp Image 2021-11-29 at 11.10.04 AM

As part of its efforts to spread the culture of peace and dialogue, and for the resolution of discrimination, hatred and conflict among people; the peace organisation Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) through its peace education programmes, strives to achieve SDG4.7 which calls for the promotion of a culture of peace and global citizenship. In particular, the issue of refugees is closely linked to the organisation's goal of achieving the cessation of war and world peace. It is in this context that HWPL France organised on 4 November 2021 a round table on "The Culture of Dialogue and Tolerance: Coexistence and Conflict in the French Multicultural Society".

This round table gathered guests of honour Mr. Mand Ryaïra Ngarara, President of IMPRODETT, Mr. Mamadou Wassa, General Treasurer of the Federation of African Workers in France (FETAF), Mr. Amadou, member of the United Migrants of Guinea in France, Ms. Léa, member of Utopia 56, Mr. Ali Dicko, member of the United Migrants of Senegal in France, Mr. Sakher Edris, founder of immigrants Now in France.
The panel was moderated by Ms Aurore Célestin, Head of the International Law Department of HWPL France. Other HWPL partners also joined the panel, notably Mr. Noumou Dembele, President of the Association des Jeunes de Madihawaya Moussala du Mali en France, as well as members of IPGY France; Ms. Assa Diawara, Mr. Amadou Diallo Oury Binta, Ms. Fofana Coumba.

In his introduction, Mr Mand stressed that "his association is oriented towards young people coming from recent immigration of sub-Saharan Africa in general. The difficulties encountered by these young people are those encountered by all people of immigrant origin. In particular, these young people do not find their place, are not accepted and are not expected by the host society. They are therefore not welcome. This is a fact, not a feeling. Why is that? Because they live in a vacuum.

France is a representative country that values freedom of expression, democracy and tolerance. However, social problems related to discrimination, such as race or gender, are increasing in various parts of French society. Among the current discriminations in France, in the case of gender discrimination or discrimination against people with disabilities, various measures are being taken at government and municipal council level to address these issues. In contrast, there are few counter-measures against racial and cultural discrimination, especially against migrants and refugees, and the related social problems persist.

France has a long history of immigration compared to other European countries, and is one of the representative multicultural countries that accept migrants from various countries and live together. To support their social integration, the government has implemented various social integration programmes for a long time. Various programmes are offered to migrants, such as understanding the French language, history and legal system, education on human rights such as equality and rights, participation as citizens and civic capacity building, vocational and social education, and cultural understanding.
Refugees are also a large part of French multicultural society. As wars in conflict zones have led to a significant increase in the influx of refugees to France in recent years, the problems of discrimination and hatred associated with them are also increasing. In order to address and prevent these problems, it is important to reduce negative perceptions about migrants and refugees. By sharing the views of various people from all walks of life, we hope that more people will pay attention to this issue and recognise the importance of tolerance and coexistence.

The event was concluded by the remarks of Mr Ali Dicko who said: "We migrants have to integrate into this French system. Through the criticism of the French, we as migrants must find the means to succeed. By saying that the French reject migrants, it is our responsibility to be accepted as migrants".

Sakher Edris said during the debate that immigrants or refugees did not choose this out of their own desire, but because of the oppression they were subjected to in their countries of origin. He spoke about the importance of the diversity of civilizations in developing the economy, and gave an example of that, Steve Jobs, the inventor of the iPhone, whose origins go back to Syria.

Edris also asked immigrants to work hard to integrate into their new societies.

Indeed, dialogue and tolerance can only flourish if certain preconditions are met, education being one of them. With this in mind, HWPL France aims to create a strong synergy by cooperating with other organisations, including those represented here today, to advance intercultural dialogue in France. It is clear from the round table that cultural diversity needs to be adapted in many aspects; for example, democratic citizenship and participation need to be strengthened; intercultural competences need to be taught and learned; spaces for intercultural dialogue need to be created and expanded. Thus, HWPL France plans to develop the ideas and suggestions of the panel, which seem to be a promising way for antidiscrimination ideas and conflicts to be implemented.

Levant-Paris

Storm Arwen kills two people in UK and leaves tens of thousands without power Travel bans on South Africa due to Omicron will be 'devastating' for its economy

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.