Everyone belongs at UQ

Celebrating Harmony Week, International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the University Week of Action for the Uluru Statement from the Heart

21–26 March 2021

Diversity strengthens us all. Different cultures, backgrounds and experiences offer new ways of thinking, and we are at our best when we respect and acknowledge the broader perspective these add to our conversations, communities, and society.

Australia is one of the most multicultural societies in the world, and UQ certainly reflects this. We have long celebrated the diversity of our students, staff and alumni, whether they are from the oldest living culture on Earth, or are one the newest visitors to our country. More than a third of our 55,000 students come from overseas, our 7,000 staff hail from every corner of the globe, and our 300,000 graduates – many of whom are leaders in their fields – can be found in 190 countries.

We are one country with many influences, but we know we live in an imperfect world. Every day – both in the media, and all around us – we see too many examples of racism, xenophobia, sexism, ageism, homophobia, religious and cultural intolerance, or intolerances of many other kinds. 

At best, these stem from ignorance, and at worst they incite violence, hatred and deeper misunderstanding. But to help end this, we must shine a light on the efforts we make as a community to positively support our neighbours – ones we know and ones we don’t. 

21 March – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Every year on 21 March, communities around the world celebrate International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) to foster a global culture of tolerance, equality and anti-discrimination. This year's theme is 'youth standing up against racism'.

15–21 March – Harmony Week

In Australia, we also celebrate Harmony Week around the same date, to celebrate the nation’s cultural diversity and encourage inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. This year's theme is 'everyone belongs'.

22–26 March – University Week of Action: Uluru Statement from the Heart

And for the first time in 2021 a University Week of Action is being held to raise awareness among our community of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, the interim Voice Report and the consultation process on a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

The tiniest acts of support can make all the difference in an often indifferent world. Reach out to your neighbour from overseas who hasn’t been home in more than a year, or can't hug their family. Tell that withdrawn colleague or student who hasn't seemed themselves that you see them and support them. Speak up when someone makes a racist joke, or a derogatory comment about the way someone speaks or looks.

Get involved

Often, these issues can seem so big, individuals feel like they're powerless to make a difference. Here are some ways you can personally get involved:

  • Educate yourself with diverse perspectives: below, we have curated a selection of UQ stories from and about our diverse community, and some of UQ's many initiatives that promote equality for all.
  • Participate in activities at UQ: contribute to one of several activities UQ teams will be organising, such as the collage-making event on campus calling for symbols, pictures or written thoughts – either digitally or actually – showing how different cultures promote harmonious relationships, which will be added to an alternative map.
  • Register for the webinar: Hear from UQ alumnus Professor Megan Davis, Dr Dani Larkin and Eddie Synot on the role that universities and members of the University community can play in supporting a constitutionally protected First Nations Voice to Parliament.
  • Consider pledging your support: you can sign up to show your support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
  • Visit 'Gifts from the Heart' at St Lucia, Herston and Gatton campuses during the week.
  • Join the conversation on social media: post using the hashtags #fightracism and #Standup4humanrights on all social platforms to call out injustice and stand up for human rights.
This week, and every week, why not make a conscious choice to contribute to harmony –
at UQ, and in the world?

Background image: orange icons on purple background
Purple background