The Homeless World Cup co-founder and social entrepreneur, Mel Young MBE, was officially presented with the coveted Edinburgh Award by the Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge.
The award was presented on Thursday evening (October 24) at a civic reception at the City Chambers.
Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought the Capital to national and international attention.
Alongside family, friends and invited guests, Young received an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost, an official award certificate, and a set of his handprints preserved in stone in the City Chambers quadrangle was unveiled.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said: “It was a pleasure to present Mel Young with the Edinburgh Award yesterday evening. Mel’s handprints are now immortalised in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle, and he deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.
“From The Homeless World Cup to The Big Issue in Scotland, his passion and dedication to changing lives and advocating for fairness is admirable and inspiring. Through his work he has represented the Capital with pride, dedication, and skill.
“I’d like to congratulate Mel on behalf of the city, and I’m sure he will continue to do great things, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.”
The Homeless World Cup co-founder, social entrepreneur and Recipient of the Edinburgh Award 2024, Mel Young MBE said: “I am honoured to receive the Edinburgh Award this year. Edinburgh is a stunning capital city, and I am proud to be one its citizens.
“The Homeless World Cup Foundation headquarters is in Edinburgh and our tournament connects people all over the globe. I would like to share this Award with the many hard-working people who have contributed to making the Homeless World Cup so impactful and successful.
“Also, this Award belongs to the real heroes of our work, the homeless people themselves who change their own lives through their involvement with our tournament and our operations across the world.”
A minutes silence was observed by many in Edinburgh including the Culture and Communities Special Committee at 11am, followed by an evening event at Cornerstone Centre, St John’s Church.
The event, hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group, and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, remembered the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism and its legacy in our city, while honouring those who fought so hard for its abolition.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge delivered a message of unity, which was followed poetry readings as part of Disrupting the Narrative from outgoing Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery, Jeda Pearl Lewis and Shasta Ali and a keynote speech by Briana Pegado, Author of Make Good Trouble: A Guide to the Energetics of Disruption.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said:“Today marked an important and poignant opportunity for us to reflect on our past, while reminding us that we must do everything in our power to ensure that such horrific and degrading exploitation can never, ever happen again.
“Back in 2020, the Council agreed to address historic racial injustices in Edinburgh and stem modern day discrimination. This led to a comprehensive review, involving a huge amount of research and public consultation, and to a series of recommendations – one of which was for me to make a public apology on behalf of the city of Edinburgh.
“I’m extremely grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group for their ongoing commitment and support – helping us to ensure Edinburgh remains a welcoming and diverse city, where people from different backgrounds and beliefs can continue to get on well together.
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “As the City of Edinburgh marks the second-year observance of the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, it is a chance to inspire and give hope to our future generations as our city faces its troubling history.
“The Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group has a number of recommendations that require action to address this troubling past. This year must be the one we now make progress in delivering a future that is equitable for those who are forging a life in our city from both the trauma and privilege of our city’s past.
“Though the slave trade has been abolished, its pernicious legacy persists, continuing to perpetuate racism, discrimination, social exclusion, and inequality. We all have the responsibility to confront and address racism promptly and firmly within our city.
“Education is essential in reconciling with the past and is vital to our collective goal of creating a better, more inclusive future for everyone in our city.”
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important reminder for us all of the millions of people who were murdered or were impacted by the Holocaust.
“We can also use this as an opportunity to remember all victims of genocide around the world. This remains a key chapter in our collective global history that we must learn from and together work towards a more tolerant and peaceful future.
“This year’s theme, ‘the Fragility of Freedom’ highlights how we can never become complacent about erosions of freedoms and the dark path that this leads down.
“This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda, this had been preceded by years of tension, violence and curtailing of freedoms.
“On behalf of the city of Edinburgh I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the Holocaust and all genocides, to the survivors who bravely shared their stories with the world, and those who are still impacted now.”
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge takes a view on the year ahead
As the dust settles on what has been another exciting year, I have been looking ahead to what the next year holds for our city.
In 2024, we mark Edinburgh 900 which represents almost a millennium of shared history centred on our fantastic and fascinating city. I’m delighted that work is now underway to prepare for next year’s anniversary as the working group continue to meet over the coming months. I look forward to a great programme of events which will examine how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries, celebrate where it is now, and reflect its future ambitions and aspirations.
St Giles, one of our most famous landmarks, will also celebrate its 900th year as a working church in 2024. The Cathedral plays a central role in the city’s history and is a huge asset to both the Old Town and the nation. As a quiet space, it provides an important place to find peace and solace but also as a centre for civic services for which I am very grateful.
At the end of June, I’ll welcome His Majesty the King to the city for Royal Week where we’ll undertake the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
With Armed Forces Day also in June and Remembrance Sunday in November, these are two key annual events in 2024 when I will reconfirm my commitment to our veterans and the significant service community here in Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Fire Brigade will celebrate another important anniversary in 2024, marking 200 years since the first municipal fire service in the world was created. It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station earlier this year, to mark the opening of the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage. I would like to express my gratitude to all the emergency services in Edinburgh who do such a fantastic job keeping us all safe.
Edinburgh truly is an innovative global city, and we are privileged to enjoy such close relationships with cities across the world. In 2024, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of our very first twinning with Munich. We have since gone on to twin with thirteen other cities around the globe, including Dunedin who we will celebrate fifty years with, and Florence who we will mark sixty years with. I look forward to marking these milestones in 2024 and fostering these valuable relationships in the years to come.
Like Edinburgh, the Polish city of Krakow is a UNESCO City of Literature and one of our partner cities. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with the city since 1995 and I look forward to renewing our friendship in 2024. I am similarly thrilled that the UNESCO Cities of Literature Conference will be held in Edinburgh next year, reaffirming our place as a world leading literary city.
Marking twenty years since the creation of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network when Edinburgh received its designation as the very first UNESCO City of Literature, we will welcome representatives from over forty other Literary Cities to celebrate the achievements of the past twenty years and plan for the future.
Finally, I’d like to draw attention to the fantastic volunteers and voluntary sector in the city. Alongside my Deputy Lieutenants, Volunteer Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), I have made several nominations from the community for a King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024. I look forward to seeing the results when they’re announced next year.
These are just a few of the exciting things that are in the pipeline for the year ahead.
As Lord Provost, it was my privilege to represent our wonderful city in 2023. I look forward to continuing to deliver on this work in 2024.
The Consul General of India in Edinburgh, Mr. Bijay Selvaraj, has hosted a warm welcome event for new Indian students arriving in Scotland to pursue their academic aspirations (writes PRIYA CHADDA).
Held on November 24, 2023, the event brought together prominent guests and members of the Indian community to celebrate the achievements of these students and welcome them to their new home away from home.
Cllr Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, extended a warm welcome to the students on behalf of the city, highlighting Edinburgh’s rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere. The Lord Provost warmly greeted each student and engaged in meaningful conversations, exemplifying Edinburgh’s commitment to embracing its diverse student population.
Dr. Sreevas Sahasranamam, Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, shared his insights into the Scottish academic landscape and offered valuable advice to the Indian students, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance between personal, academic, and professional well-being. His insights provided a roadmap for success, both academically and personally.
Gopalan Rajagopal, Head of TCS Scotland, offered insights into the growing opportunities in the Scottish technology sector and emphasized the significance of AI in shaping sustainable career paths. His perspective highlighted the dynamic and promising nature of the Scottish tech industry and the relevance of AI in the current job market.
An INSA student leader from Edinburgh shared his personal experiences and highlighted how INSA’s support has positively impacted his journey as a student in Scotland. His firsthand account demonstrated the tangible impact of INSA’s efforts in fostering a supportive environment for Indian students.
Enhancing the engagement of students and attendees, INSA organized a lively quiz testing their knowledge of Indian culture and Scottish traditions. The quiz not only added a touch of fun but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among the Indian students, creating a sense of belonging and shared identity.
INSA honored the remarkable contributions of Prof. Pankaj Pankaj, Personal Chair of Computational Biomechanics and International Dean for South Asia, with a prestigious
Lifetime Achievement Award. Prof. Pankaj’s unwavering dedication to education and his unwavering support for Indian students have had a profound impact on countless individuals, making him a true inspiration to the Indian student community.
Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India had an amazing speech thereafter. Her speech highlighted compelling data reinforcing the strong cultural ties between the UK and India, emphasizing how this enduring relationship contributes to the growth of the UK economy. Her insights underscored the mutual benefits of cultural exchange and collaboration between the two nations.
Mr. Bijay Selvaraj, Consul General of India message to students focuses on reminding them of India’s rich academic heritage, he expressed his unwavering confidence in their ability to excel in their studies. His words of encouragement and support resonated with the students, instilling a sense of pride in their academic heritage and fueling their determination to succeed.
Puneet Dwivedi, INSA Scotland President, aware everyone with the initiatives INSA is working on tirelessly for the welfare of Indian students, and welcomed the students to INSA’s current leadership team representing various Scottish universities and encouraged them to join the organization as volunteers, contributing to the well-being of fellow Indian students. His invitation highlighted the importance of peer support and the role of INSA in fostering a sense of community among Indian students.
INSA extends a heartfelt gratitude to the exemplary students – Priya Chadha from Dundee University, Jayanth and Ninad from Edinburgh, and Jaimin Desai from Glasgow University – along with a multitude of other dedicated volunteers who have selflessly invested their time and effort in supporting Indian students transitioning from India to Scotland. Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in guiding and assisting countless students, making their journey to Scotland smoother and more enriching.
INSA also expresses its deepest appreciation to the Consul General staff including Shobna and Hari for their meticulous planning and execution of this warm welcome event. Their unwavering dedication created a truly memorable experience for all attendees, exemplifying the spirit of hospitality and inclusivity that Scotland extends to its international students.
The event concluded with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for the new Indian students to connect with their peers, representatives from Indian organizations, and other members of the Scottish community. The delectable snacks provided during the reception were an added touch that perfectly complemented the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
INSA (Indian National Students Association) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and advancement of Indian students in Scotland.
INSA provides a platform for Indian students to connect, socialize, and engage with the wider community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
Nicola Benedetti CBE, was officially presented with the coveted Edinburgh Award by the Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge yesterday evening (December 5) at a civic reception at the City Chambers.
Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated individuals who have made a truly unique contribution to the city and brought the Capital to national and international attention.
Alongside family, friends and invited guests, Benedetti received an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost, an official award certificate, and a set of her handprints preserved in stone in the City Chambers quadrangle was unveiled. As part of the ceremony, a specially commissioned poem by Hannah Lavery, the Edinburgh Makar, was recited in Benedetti’s honour.
This year marked Benedetti’s first edition of the International Festival as Festival Director, which was a resounding success. Over 24 packed days, the Edinburgh International Festival saw performances from 2,500 remarkable and diverse artists representing 50 nations.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and Chair of the Edinburgh Award Panel, Robert Aldridge said: “I was delighted to present Nicola Benedetti with the Edinburgh Award yesterday evening.
“Nicola’s handprints are now immortalised in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle, and she deservedly follows in the footsteps of some of the finest individuals associated with our great city.
“From heading up one of the world’s most important cultural celebrations in the Edinburgh International Festival, to being a globally renowned musician in her own right, she has represented the Capital with pride, dedication, and skill. Nicola is also one of the youngest ever recipients of the Edinburgh Award which shows the measure and scale of her talent and achievements.
“I’d also highlight the fantastic work of the Benedetti Foundation, based in the city, which focusses on musical education, participation, and experiences. Since its establishment in 2019 it has reached over 50,000 participants of all ages from 103 countries,
“I’d like to congratulate Nicola on behalf of the city, and I’m sure she will continue to do great things in the future, both here in Edinburgh and beyond.”
Festival Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, and Recipient of the Edinburgh Award 2023, Nicola Benedetti CBE said: “Each gift in our life, such as the role of Festival Director or a recognition such as this award, serves as a propellor – and an opportunity for choice.
“Each gift holds the potential for responsibility to others, that you choose to serve and grasp, or not. Each gift is a reminder of our place in a lineage of contributors to bettering life for ourselves and for others; a reminder of the collective potential we have when we all consider – in our own unique way – our civic and moral duty.”
HRH The Princess Royal has officially opened a museum celebrating the remarkable history of Scotland’s firefighting tradition in Edinburgh.
Her Royal Highness is now one of more than 7,200 visitors who have visited the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage since it opened its doors to the public in McDonald Road at the end of June.
The Rt. Hon Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, was one of several dignitaries to greet The Princess Royal. He said: “It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the city and the McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station on behalf of the people of Edinburgh.
“To have the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of firefighting in Scotland was also an extremely interesting and proud experience.
“I would like to thank the team at McDonald Road for accommodating us today and pay tribute to our fantastic firefighters, alongside our other emergency services, who make sure we are all kept safe.”
Ross Haggart, Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was at the museum to extend a warm welcome to Princess Anne. He said: “We are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to show Her Royal Highness the fascinating exhibits that chart the remarkable history of our firefighting tradition.
“This special building is home to an array of artefacts dating back almost two hundred years, including fire appliances, uniforms and equipment.
“Next year, our service will be marking the bicentenary of the world’s first municipal fire service founded in Edinburgh by James Braidwood.”
As part of the visit, The Princess Royal was also given a tour of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station, which has been newly refurbished as an emergency hub building alongside the Scottish Ambulance Service. HRH was greeted by a contingent of firefighters and ambulance crews.
Chair of the Scottish Ambulance Service, Tom Steele, said: “I was delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station alongside our colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
“The museum is a fantastic celebration of the fire service’s history. As well as sharing a number of co-locations with the fire service, including here in Edinburgh, we share a strong history of caring for and improving the lives of the people in Scotland.
“We look forward to many more years of working together to provide life-saving work.”
After watching a demonstration of how firefighters use a high reach appliance, HRH was presented with a posy by Crew Commander Blair Muir, who carefully manoeuvred the vehicle so he could hand deliver the flowers from onboard the appliance.
The Princess Royal spoke with staff and volunteers, including Jim McDonald, a museum volunteer. Mr McDonald said: “It was a truly remarkable and humbling experience to meet Her Royal Highness. Her genuine interest in our exhibits left a lasting impression on all of us.”
At the end of the visit, The Princess Royal officially unveiled commemorative plaques, marking the official opening of the museum.
McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station has undergone renovations and modernisation and last month won a Commendation in the Large Projects and Regeneration/Strategy Award Categories for the 2023 Edinburgh Architectural Awards.
The Lord Provost and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge, today (October 24) visited the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank (ESUB) in Granton.
After meeting some of ESUB’s staff and volunteers, the Lord Provost helped to pack a bag of new uniform for a child who has been referred to the organisation.
ESUB provides school uniform to children who are facing hardship so that they can attend school without the stigma of wearing the ‘wrong’ clothes, as well as giving them the chance to take part in sports and social activities.
The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and President of the One City Trust, Robert Aldridge said: “It was a real pleasure today to visit the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank. Through meeting some of the staff and volunteers I got an insight into the fantastic and essential work they carry out in communities across the city.
“However, it is a shame that in the year 2023 that organisations like this are still necessary to properly clothe our children and have them ready for school.
“I’m proud that the One City Trust can support organisations like ESUB, and I have no doubt that they will continue to make sure that no child ever wants for school clothes in Edinburgh. They have my full support and I look forward to working with them further.”
Trustee of theEdinburgh School Uniform Bank, Julia Grindley said: “For over eight years, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank has boosted the wellbeing and inclusion of the city’s most disadvantaged children and young people by ensuring that they can participate fully in all school activities with confidence, regardless of their family’s circumstances. We are delighted to show the Lord Provost around today.
“We work closely with over 100 schools and many other professional partners to provide new school uniforms, footwear, and other essentials to thousands of children every year. Many families are in dire straits, and children are going without. The cost-of-living crisis is making it increasingly difficult to keep up with demand for our services, and we need the support of the whole community, to avoid us turning families away.
“Today we are launching our Winter Warmers appeal. We hope that people and businesses all over Edinburgh will do what they can to make sure that every child can stay cosy and go to school with their head held high this winter.”
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended a reception at the City Chambers yesterday to recognise and celebrate the city of Edinburgh’s work in supporting Ukrainians.
Their Royal Highnesses Edward and Sophie were also attending to thank the diverse range of volunteers who are supporting them across the Capital.
During the reception Their Royal Highnesses met the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, Council Leader Cammy Day, Consul of Ukraine Andrii Kuslii, Hannah Beaton Hawryluk, Chair of the AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain) Edinburgh Branch, Paul Wilson, Chief Officer for Volunteer Edinburgh, alongside senior Council officers involved in the Ukraine effort.
Friday marked exactly one year to the day since the City of Edinburgh’s formal response to the war against Ukraine began.
In that time over 10,000 Ukrainians have passed through our Welcome Hub as the primary entry point to Scotland, with over 3000 Ukrainians making their new lives here in the Capital. Over 500 Ukrainian children are in education across the city and receiving the full support of our services.
The Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge said: “I am hugely proud of the efforts by colleagues, partners, residents, and businesses in welcoming Ukrainians making their new home here in Edinburgh over the past year. Whilst this past year has brought significant challenges, the city of Edinburgh has shown its resilience, compassion, and character.
“On this momentous day when the Dukedom of Edinburgh has been conferred on Their Royal Highnesses, it is fantastic to have The Duke and Duchess in attendance to meet some of these individuals and groups. This visit is testament to the selfless and dedicated work that has gone on across the city since the start of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
“We must continue to recognise the extraordinary sacrifice made by the Ukrainian people over the past year and reiterate our continuing solidarity with all Ukrainians.
“I would also like to make it clear to the Ukrainians who are building their new lives in Edinburgh that this is your home, and we are incredibly proud to support you.
“We are grateful for the enormous contribution our new Ukrainian community to making Edinburgh the modern, diverse and vibrant capital city it is today.”
Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, Branch Chair of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Edinburgh, said: “It was a privilege to meet with the newly titled Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and on the occasion of the Duke’s 59th birthday, today to showcase the contribution of AUGB Edinburgh and the wider partnership to Edinburgh’s response to supporting newly arrived Ukrainians in the city.
“The city’s response has only been possible by partners working together and supporting each other, thank you in particular to the City of Edinburgh Council and third sector partners who we have worked closely with over the last year. We hope the Duke and Duchesses visit today has demonstrated the continuing work across the city and the work of the Association here in Edinburgh.”
Paul Wilson, Chief Officer at Volunteer Edinburgh said: “Since the start of the war against Ukraine, volunteers in Edinburgh have been giving their time to help. Edinburgh has been at the forefront of Scotland’s response to the Ukraine crisis and volunteers too have been there from the start.
“Whether it be collecting, sorting and dispatching much needed aid, supporting the community activities of the AUGB, providing cultural and welcome activities, supporting English’s language learning or the nearly 7000 hours of volunteering done by Welcome Volunteers at the Airport, it is these volunteers that have enabled our city to give such an amazing welcome and their kindness and generosity has shown the very best of Edinburgh.”
Responding after the International Mother Language Day 2023 event hosted by the Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), Foysol Choudhury MSP said:
“It was my great honour to speak at the City Chambers in Edinburgh today in celebration of International Mother Language Day 2023 and to promote linguistic and cultural diversity.
“It is a true honour for me to observe International Mother Language Day in my role as Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development and also as the first Bangladeshi Member of the Scottish Parliament.
“International Mother Language Day was first proposed by Bangladesh in 1999, being approved by UNESCO that same year.
“As a national day in Bangladesh, the Head of State and Head of Government lay a floral wreath at the Language Martyrs Monument, as I did today at the Quadrangle with the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, the Rt. Honourable Councillor Robert Aldridge.
“This event gives us a vital reminder about the importance of preserving more than 6000 languages – 23% of which are endangered- and promoting tolerance and understanding.
“This year’s theme is “Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education”. As 40% of the global population cannot access education in a language they speak or understand, it is not hard to understand why this has been chosen.
“Much of the internet is only available in 12 languages. As we use the internet for education more and more, it is important that multilingualism online is promoted so that all can access and learn from online content.
“Otherwise, those who use minority languages may unfortunately face a threat to their education and access to information.
“The internet can be a force for education and strengthening disappearing minority languages, both through preservation and revitalisation. Apps and resources can be shared to help educate learners, both young and old, to enrich their understanding of their mother tongue.
“By normalising multilingualism in education, we can also improve access to it and promote language learning.
“Multilingual education can teach us understanding and tolerance from youth, allowing for better social cohesion throughout life.
“Our mother tongue, whether it is English, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Bengali, Urdu, French, Brazilian-Portuguese, Ukrainian, Chichewa, Polish or Mandarin, is the linguistic device that shapes our personal, social and cultural identities.
“It is the vital tool that helps us transmit, preserve and maintain our different traditions, the sayings, jokes, songs, poems that make all our lives much more vibrant and interesting.
“A speech by a Ukrainian woman at the event today resonated strongly with me, when she spoke about the importance of the Ukrainian language to her, her devastation at its censorship and why it’s preservation is so important during the conflict in Ukraine.
“Language is the cultural tool that allows us to share different knowledge to better understand one another, where we come from and what makes us all unique, and to foster tolerance among different groups of people.
“It is vitally important that languages are preserved and multilingualism is promoted, for the reasons shared by distinguished speakers at today’s event.
“Thank you to ELREC for organising the event at the City Chambers today and for all the distinguished guests, speakers and performers for helping us to celebrate this important topic.
“I have lodged a motion at the Scottish Parliament supporting the achievements of International Mother Language Day and I hope we can remember this day as a day to celebrate our differences, whether it is our languages, cultures, or identities that make us who we are.
“I encourage everybody today to approach our peers and share information about our different languages and cultures, so that we can be enriched by each others’ differences.”
