University of Westminster holds third World in Westminster Festival focusing on equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Westminster held the World in Westminster Festival between 26 February and 1 March across all campuses, featuring a dynamic lineup of events organised by colleagues and students and build around principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Each day of the World in Westminster festival focused on a different strand from the University’s Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy: culture, communication, expression, vision and belonging. The festival included an array of panel talks, music events and meaningful expressions of culture. Throughout the week, there was also a photo exhibition, Glimpses of Kerala, on display in Regent Street foyer. This exhibit was curated by Professor Nitasha Kaul, Director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy.

Monday 26 February covered Culture, with a Students' Union Cultural Fair and panels on the racial and cultural politics of anime and the complex and often challenging topic of white privilege in universities. Tuesday 27 February focused on Communication, with a World in Westminster and Westminster Business School welcome event in all languages celebrating the value of multiculturalism. Wednesday 28 February celebrated Expression, with a music event at Harrow Campus featuring musical performances from around the world.

Thursday 29 February covered Vision, with a celebration hosted by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Design, Creative and Digital Industries. This networking event celebrated a melting pot of cultures. Students, colleagues and external guests partook in a gathering aimed at improving understanding and appreciation for the richness of representation.

Friday 1 March focused on Belonging, with a HOMELandS dialogue event on building societies that support wellbeing and reduce exclusion and marginalisation. Friday also featured a Black History Year masterclass on Career Success in Higher Education and a Democratic Education Network (DEN) networking event. The festival concluded with a Students’ Union-organised CommUNITY Gala at Regent Campus with live music and cultural dance performances. Attendees were graced with traditional Albanian, Tibetan and Bhangra dances, a beautiful rendition of Nat King Cole and a Qawwali performance; a tribute to the rich diversity of the University’s student and colleague community. 

Dr Syada Dastagir, Digital Learning Specialist at the University, said: “World in Westminster showcases what universities should be about, the dissemination of knowledge, understanding and critical thinking about the world around us. It is an opportunity for dialogue, debate and reflection outside of our normal learning or teaching routine and spans across a range of widely appealing topics, facilitating collaboration between work colleagues at Westminster, colleagues from different institutions and the wider public.”

Interim Head of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dr Thomas More said: “The World in Westminster Festival showcased how we nurture belonging at Westminster. The festival allowed us to celebrate our awe-inspiring diversity and our commitment to building a sense of ‘home’ for our students and colleagues, as well as to demonstrate in real terms how you can be your true and authentic self at the University.”

Head of Global Mobility and Study Abroad Eduardo Lees added: “I look forward to World in Westminster events not only because I learn so much from them, but because they create the opportunity to make new connections across the University. Attending the panel discussion “Is the University still a white space?” on Monday changed my thinking both professionally and personally. Events like these support the EDI change we are trying to achieve as an institution. This festival helps to embody our Westminster values and showcase the diversity and talent within our institution.”

Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Employability and Global Engagement, said: “The festival’s success owes to love, care and work put in by colleagues and students, especially our EDI Events Manager Zahrah Surooprajally, and the EDI Interns. I am proud to be working with a team that cares.”

This event contributed toward the Good Health and Well-being (3), Quality Education (4) and Reduced Inequalities (10) development goals of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted by the University of Westminster to help make the University a more sustainable, responsible and inclusive place to live, work and study.

Learn more about upcoming Equality, diversity and inclusion events at the University of Westminster.