Fragment No. 27

Cultural diversity is more than just a buzzword to me – it is a fundamental requirement for harmonious and enriching coexistence. My own life story reflects the power of cultural diversity.

As a child of war, growing up in various countries, I experienced firsthand how important it is to learn from each other and develop openness to the unfamiliar. My family fled from the former Yugoslavia, and we eventually arrived in Germany. There, my life in a new culture began, where I first had to understand and accept many things. But this experience, of finding my footing in another society, showed me how much we can learn from others when we’re willing to leave our comfort zone and engage with the unknown. After our temporary residence permit was not renewed in 1999, my family moved to the USA. I didn’t return to Germany until 2006, when I began my professional career as a football player.

In football, I found a space where cultural differences didn’t divide but brought us all together. On the field, nationality, skin color, or religion don’t matter – it’s about shared goals, mutual respect, and understanding. These experiences taught me that diversity is a benefit for everyone. It makes us stronger, more empathetic, and more open to other perspectives.

Through my work with the well:fair foundation, which promotes access to clean water for people worldwide, I see how cultural differences and commonalities can connect us. In the projects, people from various cultural backgrounds work together, united by their desire to bring about positive change. This repeatedly shows me that, when we recognize and value our diversity, we not only build bridges between our cultures but also create new opportunities for the future.

Cultural diversity is the foundation of a rich, vibrant, and innovative society. It reminds us that there are countless ways to live life in our world – and that each one of them has a unique value for the whole.