By Wezi Munkhondya, member of the Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship.
“Global citizenship is not about where we come from, it is about how we choose to connect, contribute, and create change together.”
I was born and raised in Malawi and now call Inverness in the Scottish Highlands home. Living and working between these two places has shaped my understanding of identity, community, and global citizenship in ways I could never have imagined growing up.
My journey from Malawi to Scotland has exposed me to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. While these experiences have broadened my understanding of the world, they have also reinforced a simple truth: despite our differences, we are connected by our shared humanity and our desire to create better futures for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
As a member of the Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship (DGGC), I am excited to be part of a network that champions diaspora leadership, racial justice, and a fairer, more inclusive world. The group’s vision recognises the important role that diaspora communities play in shaping conversations about global issues and creating positive change both locally and internationally.
For me, joining the group feels like a natural extension of values that have guided me throughout my life: inclusion, partnership, learning, and service to others.
Learning Through Different Lenses
One of the most rewarding experiences so far was attending my first DGGC meeting.
Like many people, I arrived with my own perspectives shaped by my upbringing, professional experiences, and personal journey. What struck me most during the day was the diversity of thought and experience represented in the room. There were people from different countries, cultures, professions, and backgrounds, all bringing unique insights into discussions about global citizenship, racial justice, and community engagement.
The day was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and build new connections. However, what stayed with me most was the reminder that the way I see the world is not the only way to see it.
Listening to others speak about their lived experiences challenged some of my assumptions and encouraged me to think differently about issues I care deeply about. It reinforced the importance of remaining open, curious, and willing to learn from others.
“One of the greatest lessons from our first meeting was recognising that my perspective is only one perspective, and that genuine understanding begins with listening.”
In a world where people are often encouraged to speak, advocate, and persuade, the meeting reminded me of the value of listening. Sometimes the most meaningful growth comes not from sharing our own views but from understanding the experiences of others.
That openness to learning is, in many ways, at the heart of global citizenship.
The Power of Living Between Cultures
Growing up in Malawi taught me the importance of community and collective responsibility. I witnessed how people supported one another during challenges and celebrated successes together. These experiences shaped my belief that progress is most meaningful when it benefits everyone rather than a select few.
Many individuals who belong to diaspora communities know this experience well. We often find ourselves balancing multiple identities, histories, and perspectives. Yet this duality can be a strength rather than a challenge.
As members of diaspora communities, we have insights that span cultures and continents. We understand the realities of our countries of origin while actively contributing to the communities where we now live. This places us in a unique position to foster understanding, promote collaboration, and challenge misconceptions.
“Diaspora communities do not live between two worlds, they help connect them.”
I believe these connections are increasingly important in a world facing complex global challenges that require collaboration, empathy, and shared responsibility.
What Global Citizenship Means to Me
Global citizenship is often discussed as a concept, but for me it is something practical and active.
It is about recognising that our actions can have an impact beyond our immediate communities. It is about understanding that issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, migration, and racism are interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation.
It is also about recognising our responsibility to contribute positively to society, whether through volunteering, mentoring, advocacy, professional work, or simply taking the time to understand experiences different from our own.
The principles promoted through global citizenship, empathy, inclusion, critical thinking, solidarity, and justice, are values that can guide how we engage with the world every day.
“Global citizenship is the recognition that our futures are connected, and that we all have a role to play in shaping a fairer world.”
Looking Ahead
As someone with roots in Malawi and a growing footprint in Scotland, I am passionate about building bridges between communities, promoting understanding, and contributing to more inclusive conversations about global development and social justice.
The first DGGC meeting left me feeling optimistic about what can be achieved when people come together with a willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate. It reinforced the idea that meaningful change happens when diverse voices are welcomed into the conversation and when we recognise the value of experiences different from our own.
The challenges facing our world are significant, but I remain hopeful.
Hope comes from people who are willing to learn from one another. It comes from communities that choose inclusion over division. And it comes from the belief that together we can create a future that is fairer, more just, and more connected.
“A fairer world begins when we stop seeing difference as a barrier and start seeing it as an opportunity to learn.”