FAIR is one of the CGIAR ‘s employee-led resource groups that works to promote Diversity and inclusion and aim to speak up against and bring awareness to racism in all its forms across the CGIAR. We strive to create a safe space where our members can have meaningful and respectful conversations around this topic, where we can foster allyship, and where we can appreciate and celebrate our diversity.
Spotlight on Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith was appointed director general of ILRI in October 2011. Before joining ILRI, he worked for the World Bank, leading its global livestock portfolio. Previously, he held senior positions at the Canadian International Development Agency (2001–2006). Earlier in his career, he worked at ILRI and its predecessor, the International Livestock Centre for Africa (1991–2001).
He is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign, US, where he completed a PhD in animal sciences. He is an ex-officio member of the board.
In 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 51/95 proclaiming 16 November as International Day for Tolerance.
This action followed the adoption of a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance by UNESCO’s Member States on 16 November 1995. Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe.
Check out what UNESCO does for tolerance: https://www.unesco.org/en/days/tolerance
A Resource on how to be more tolerant:
Four Keys to Being More Tolerant – Exploring your mind
Some IDEAS to observe INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE
Read About Different Cultures
Reading about different cultures or nationalities is one of the best ways to help break down your intolerances that you may not know you have, as well as help increase your awareness of other intolerances throughout the world. In order to celebrate tolerance, you may often need to first make yourself aware of intolerance.
Listen to Neighbours Who Have Different Viewpoints
Listening to others is a great way to open your perspective and take a better look at the world and how you perceive it. Tolerance and intolerance can only be identified by listening more to those who may have suffered at the hands of intolerance and hearing what they have to say.
Participate in Events of Remembrance or Advocacy
If you want to truly help celebrate International Day of Tolerance the best thing to do is go out and participate. Whether it’s a candlelight vigil for the victims of intolerance or a lecture from an esteemed activist or thought leader, getting out there and getting involved will only help you grow.
Uniting through: Poetry
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences,” Audre Lorde wrote in Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches.
In this edition, we share two Poems by the great and late Maya Angelou
PHENOMENAL WOMEN
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I walk into a room Men themselves have wondered Phenomenally. Now you understand |
STILL I RISE
You may write me down in history Does my sassiness upset you? Just like moons and like suns, Did you want to see me broken? Does my haughtiness offend you? You may shoot me with your words, Does my sexiness upset you? Out of the huts of history’s shame
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Upcoming, at a Glance
- 16 January 2023: Martin Luther King Day
- 27 January 2023: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Become a FAIR member
FAIR is always open to welcoming new members. To join or obtain information, kindly fill this short form.
What does a member do?
We meet to share resources, information and have meaningful discussions around topics relating to racism in and out of the workplace.
The group aims to host 2 main events per year and a bimonthly newsletter to showcase ethnic and racial celebrations around the world.