Daily Times

In the modern world of profound interconnectivity, cross cultural understanding is very key for economic integration and sustainable development. However, cross-cultural connectivity has the potential to create a very harmonious environment for different states to converge on collective economic prospects. The essential part that is missing in maintaining regional peace is cross-cultural understanding. The cognisance of other’ culture and values paves the way towards mutual respect and trust that ultimately leads to economic prosperity and stability. South Asian region in present times of crisis and distrust needs a very robust cultural exchange mechanism that should facilitate trade, investment, and cooperation. Until a state shares its values and principles with another state peace and progress between a region is a reverie. Hence, cross-cultural understanding in South Asia is imperative for the peaceful resolution of disputes and the promotion of bilateral ties between states.

The cognisance of other cultures and values paves the way towards mutual respect that ultimately leads to economic prosperity.

Globalisation has taken humanity by storm. During such times of extreme connectivity, South Asia lags behind other regions in cooperation and collaboration between its countries. It however is necessary for the South Asian region to minimise differences and maximise shared views and interests. Foreseeably it seems possible through cross-cultural understanding. Even if the region has a plethora of cultural similarities the political differences have heavily impinged upon cultural exchanges that have severely damaged cultural relations. The biggest actors in South Asia India and Pakistan are always diverging from one another at all levels. Nonetheless, cultural exchange between these two states can bring a very positive outcome for the entire South Asian region. All other countries will follow suit. This will bring peace and ensure security for an amicable environment to promote business and trade. Economic prospects are highly dependent upon regional cooperation and stability. Without peace and stability, economic integration is improbable. Hence, cross-cultural understanding can bring peace and stability which ultimately will lead towards economic integration and sustainable development.

Furthermore, programs and steps should be ramped up to encourage cultural exchanges between South Asian countries. South Asia is culturally diverse, economically competitive, and geographically important. The region, however, is also susceptible to climate changes and disasters. Cooperation and collaboration during such testing times are essential for ensuring development, addressing challenges, and averting looming disasters. All regional universities should be open for all South Asian students to get enrolled and pursue their education. India and Pakistan can play a vital role in opening up the gates of their educational institutions for all the other countries of South Asia. Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives will emulate them. Hence, cognisance of others’ culture and values through opening up educational institutions is indispensable for economic integration and substantial development.

The multiple conflicts and disputes that have riven the South Asian region, particularly Pakistan and India can only be resolved through cross-cultural understanding. A robust cultural exchange mechanism is the need of the hour. Literary festivals should be arranged in honour of one another’s famous literary figures. Area studies institutions should be established to encourage regional research on culture, economy, and society. Similarly, steps should be taken to create more and more free economic zones in the region to facilitate trade and business ventures and invite investments. Moreover, industries should be linked with educational institutions to strengthen research for enhancing productivity and development. Hence, the promotion of cross cultural understanding, through mutual mechanisms that should help in the execution of the set goals for peace and stability, is essential for economic integration.

Conclusively all the states must evince responsibility and sincerity in a bid to promote economic integration and sustainable development through cross-cultural understanding. This will avert climate disasters, encourage trade, and maintain peace. It is in the interest of all the South Asian region. In the end the problem consists of people of the state and the way the state moulds a narrative and imbibes it in people. Hence, cross-cultural understanding should be prioritised and put on the front burner to ensure economic integration and sustainable development.

The writer is interested in literature and philosophy.