News

Exploring Europe's Richness: Identity, Diversity, and Culture in Dialogue

August 27, 2024
The event “Cultures of Europe: Identity and Diversity” highlighted the importance of cultural diversity as an enriching factor in society. Through culture, it is possible to foster greater trust and understanding among peoples.
https://youtu.be/tOTArAddKZ0?si=FuhylCEObcALEWJS

The event—co-organized by Universidad ORT Uruguay, the Delegation of the European Union in Uruguay, and the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) Montevideo—took place on May 2, 2024.

The event featured two panel discussions, during which representatives from a variety of European cultures presented to the audience some distinctive identifying features of the European culture they represent.

Andrés Bancalari—academic coordinator of ORT’s Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies—expressed his gratitude to the Delegation of the European Union and the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) for their support. He emphasized that this event is the result of a long process of development, growth, and maturation

He shared the process of the Jean Monnet Thinking Europe (ThinkEur) Module, launched in 2023. It has been a complex project that involved a thorough self-assessment to gain a deep understanding of the work on Europe. Despite the difficulties, the European Union has supported the project, which includes activities for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.

European Cultures: Identity and Diversity

The event “Cultures of Europe: Identity and Diversity” was moderated by Dr. Sebastián Moreno—a professor in ORT’s Bachelor’s Program in International Studies—who teaches the course “Culture and Contemporary Society.”

Moreno offered some reflections on the concept of culture. He emphasized the etymological origin of the word “culture,” which is derived from the Latin “colere,” meaning to cultivate. He explained how the concept of culture has evolved from a form of spiritual self-cultivation associated with fine literature and art into a more inclusive and everyday vision that encompasses ways of life and forms of social interaction.

Next, the panel discussions took place. During this session, the participants presented specific cultural aspects of their countries.

First session

https://youtu.be/3W9-A9ZJZb8?si=_CnWhI9SCvnMA_s8

Second session

https://youtu.be/nnfJMeUD6VU?si=cJ5aDr4gzpTzFW7s

The event concluded with a questions and answers, providing a platform to delve deeper into the topics discussed and foster greater cultural exchange.

Events like this underscore the importance of cultural diversity and international collaboration in fostering understanding and cohesion among different societies.