21 March, 2025
Multicultural Network in Finance World Café
On the 21st of March 2025, in celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Multicultural Network in Finance hosted our annual event, Diverse Perspectives Shaping the Financial Industry’s Future.
During this event, participants got to participate in a World Café, on the theme of tackling racial discrimination in all facets of life, both personal and professional. Here is what our participants had to share
What book or movie made you reflect differently about racism?
Movies/Series:
The Invisible Man
Roots
The Color Purple
The Help
Hidden Figures
Bridgeton
When They See Us
Books:
The Black Opportunity: Conversations on Venture Capital and Afropean Entrepreneurship by Tino Chibebe
La Pensée Blanche by Lilian Thuram
On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker by A’Lelia Bundles
Can music influence cultural understanding?
Yes, it can! A quote that resonated with the participants states that “la musique adoucit les moeurs”, which means “music softens manners”. Music was seen as something that reunites people, with its rhythm linked to emotions. It allows people to understand more about the world, and learn more about different cultures. Popular music today is influenced by African American culture, such as blues, jazz, rap and house music, just to name a few.
Have you ever seen an act of kindness that brought people from different cultures closer together?
Sharing food with neighbours during Ramadan is a common act of kindness. This act is closely linked with curiosity, which allows a space for open conversation and learning about each other’s cultures.
What can you do in a meeting when you realize only one person in the room has a different origin (which could also be you)?
Sometimes, it can be stigmatising to point it out in front of the whole room. In some cases, it is best not to talk about it unless the person feels uncomfortable or uneasy. If this is the case, if you are a person of colour, simply reaching out to them can make them feel more at ease. Don’t forget to be transparent with this person, as sometimes being “different” can be perceived as a “weakness”
What initiatives can strengthen relationships between colleagues of various cultures?
Attending festivities such as Couleur Café in Brussels
Participating in the 20km of Brussels (such is the Wo.Men in Finance and Multicultural Network in Finance team, namely Inclusion in Finance)
Dinner in the Dark in Brussels
Celebrating Diwali with your colleagues
Having a moment once a week at lunch, where a colleague can bring a dish from their culture, and they can have an open moment to discuss the dish and their culture
Can you share a memorable experience where food helped you connect with a colleague from a different background?
Food is seen as an element that brings people together. It helps break down stereotypes we may have of certain cultures and provides a sense of connectedness.
What are the best ways to support colleagues who face racism at work?
Have a safe space for the people of the minority to express themselves (have a dedicated person to talk to). Make sure that this person is also from the minority (role modelling).
Believe the people when they say that they have faced racism at work. Don’t minimise it.
If you can say something, then say something
Implement a “buddy system”
One key thing to realise is that privilege plays an important role when it comes to speaking out against racism at work. For some colleagues, it may be more difficult. Therefore, if you are a colleague of privilege, use your voice to help others.
What cultural festival or event have you attended that left a lasting impression on you?
Holi Festival is celebrated by Indian colleagues. This allowed people to break their barriers with trust. Learn more about Holi here: What Is The Festival Of Holi, And Why Is It Celebrated?
A cultural week was arranged for colleagues to learn about other cultures through music and food
Linguistic/Cultural lunches for different cultures with dedicated topics to discuss
What are some famous sports rivalries that you know and have cultural or historical significance?
There are some interesting moments in history where we can see how culture influences spots. In Belgium, there are children of many different nationalities. When they grow older and they want to play football on a national level, they are often left with the choice of choosing with team they would like to play for.
In instances like a rugby derby, we can see a friendly atmosphere between the countries that are participating, such as France vs Belgium.
In football, during the month of Ramadan*, a moment for Iftar is always planned, and this moment is often shared between the team members (even from the rival teams).
Can you share a story about another culture that inspired you?
Many people have learnt a lot about self-reflection from their colleagues who are participating in Ramadan
Standing up for one's values is a skill that was learnt through open discussions about each other’s values
Culture was often learnt about through food, such as organised potlucks and picnics
Many were inspired by families with children who moved to another country
How can you use cultural awareness to improve collaboration and reduce misunderstandings in meetings?
For example, due to cultural norms, younger people may not be comfortable with looking older people in the eye, which causes a different relationship dynamic between the two colleagues.
One way we can learn about this is by having a moment where we can share values. This can be through specific events, having safe spaces and round table discussions about these topics. In case some people may not be comfortable doing this in a big crowd, having a one on one interview can provide some more personal insights.
What are some effective ways schools can teach students about the history and impact of racism?
Testimonials
Inviting experts to share their experiences
Sharing initiatives and awareness at a very early stage
Implicating the parents
Schools should create spaces where children and parents can share and report any misconduct to anybody in the administration
Children and their families should respect a self-made code of conduct around inclusion and rules against racism
The decision makers of those entities should be representative of the diversity of the students
Teaching children in more depth about Belgium’s history with other countries should not be taboo. Allow parents to ask the school to discuss certain aspects of history
Which song do you think best celebrates multicultural inclusion?
Bob Marley – War
Amapiano – a South African music genre that brings people from different backgrounds together
Michael Jackson & Various Artists – We Are the World
Stevie Wonder & Paul McCartney – Ebony and Ivory
Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror
The Black Eyed Peas – Where Is the Love?
Youssou N’Dour & Neneh Cherry – 7 Seconds
Clouseau – Iedereen van de wereld
Has a piece of architecture ever inspired you to explore more about similar styles?
Marrakesh – The vibrant blue tones
Córdoba – The Moorish influence, like in the Mezquita, opens up a rich story of coexistence a thousand years ago, where different cultures lived and built together.
Thailand – The ornate Buddhist temples
Japan – The simplicity, precision, and deep harmony with nature in Japanese architecture
Brussels – The city’s unique architectural mix reflects its multicultural identity. It’s a blend that tells stories of past and present cohabitation.
Ghana – In contrast, Ghana’s architectural style carries a different cultural imprint, highlighting how each place tells its own story through structure and space.
Integration in Architecture – A powerful example: an exhibition about a mosque held inside a church, showing how architecture can foster understanding across cultures.
*Through the practice of fasting from dawn until sunset, Ramadan encourages us to reflect upon ourselves and practice patience, self-discipline and solidarity. This month also promotes strengthening the bond with other human beings and the community. Ramadan is an opportunity for inclusion and could be a part of creating a supportive workplace culture.
