The megatrends of globalization and digitalization pose
challenges for social cohesion. Many people are concerned
about their economic future, and right-wing populists are
leveraging the internet to spread oversimplified messages
and fuel fears. Thought leaders from around the world
convened to discuss the future of social cohesion at the
Bertelsmann Stiftung‘s international “Trying Times”
conference addressing the issue “Rethinking Social
Cohesion” that was held in Berlin from September 4–6,
2019. In his closing speech titled “How to make social
cohesion work,” Canadian author and President Emeritus
of PEN International John Ralston Saul demonstrated
that empathy, respect for difference and the willingness to
accept the complexity of society rather than exclusion and
fear are the factors that pave the way toward a successful
future. The social cohesion of the future needs both
diversity and community. Read his speech in full here
