March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the start of Harmony Week in Australia. To mark this date, the Monash Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP) held a roundtable entitled, Young people, civility and cultural diversity in Australia: How can we advance the conversation?.

Chaired by CYPEP Director, Lucas Walsh, the event included authors of the book Recovering Civility during COVID-19, Dr. Steven Zech and Dr. Matteo Bonotti in discussion with members of the CYPEP Youth Reference Group, Yuqi Lin and Mark Yin. During this week, which promotes respect for differences, the panel explored a series of provocations about civility, which implies learning how to address important issues we face as a society while reconciling diverse values and beliefs.

How can we build the character and capabilities to value cultural diversity in Australia?

How can we live well in our communities and develop more nurturing communities where civility, friendship and sharing are both valued and practised?

The campaign to prevent violence against women, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, responses to COVID 19, and the climate crisis demonstrate the challenges in fostering civility and harmony.

In the face of these challenges, the panelists explored whether it is always necessary or desirable to be civil.

Watch the entire presentation below.

Thank you to our presenters