“To me, global justice is about ensuring that everyone—regardless of where they come from or what their status is—has a fair chance to thrive. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and being heard.”
— MD Rezaur Rahman, Chairperson, West Lothian Community Race Forum & founding member of SIDA’s Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship
Last Saturday Paisley came alive with colour, culture, and solidarity at the Unity is Strength Multicultural Festival. The festival, co-hosted by the Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship and SIDA (Scotland’s International Development Alliance), united people from across Scotland—from the Highlands to Fife to Ayrshire to Aberdeen to West Lothian—bringing together diverse communities, generations, and lived experiences to explore the true meaning of global justice and how we can work together to achieve it.
A Celebration with Purpose
More than just a cultural event, the day was a platform for vital conversations about global justice, diaspora experiences, and the power of grassroots organising. Attendees heard from inspiring community leaders and SIDA members, sharing powerful reflections on the intersections between local and global struggles, and the collective role we all play in building a fairer world.
Our host for the day, Johannes Gonani, founder of Pachedu—a key community organisation in Paisley—captured the spirit of the day perfectly in his address:
“Grassroots organisations can make a profound impact by addressing the specific needs of diaspora communities. Their work reminds us that inclusivity, representation and support are not just buzzwords; they are essential components of a just society.”
Art, Culture, and Resistance
Art and performance were central to the festival, offering space for healing, expression, and resistance. The line-up featured:
- Nada Shawa, a Gazan Palestinian poet and performer, who moved the crowd with poetry and dance exploring themes of displacement, trauma, and survival.
- Theiya Arts, whose interactive dance piece addressed gender equality and the lived experiences of marginalised women.
- High-energy performances from Emmani African Dancers and the East African Dance Group from the African Women’s Group in Aberdeen.
- Ali Aitkin, our brilliant DJ, guided us through the day with music.
- Folklorny Subor Lipa, who brought Slovakian tradition to life with joyful song and dance.
- Powerful spoken word pieces from Ace Vision and p a t s y, sparking thought and conversation.
- Afghan and Mongolian song and instrumentation from Axida and Awrang Borhani.
- A moving recital of Burns’ “A Man’s a Man for A’ That” by the children’s poetry group from Glasgow Afghan United.
Yasmin Omarzadah delivered a powerful speech spotlighting the vital work of Glasgow Afghan United, the ongoing injustices in Afghanistan, and the urgent need for global justice and unity.
Voices for Change
Speakers from across Scotland’s development and justice sectors brought powerful insights to the day. John Primrose, Deputy Director at the Scottish Government’s International Division, affirmed the government’s commitment to global citizenship and inclusion. Frances Guy, SIDA’s Chief Executive, spoke about the SIDA’s efforts to unite communities in the pursuit of a fairer world and invited more people to get involved. Ben Wilson from SCIAF highlighted the urgent need for debt justice through the “Cancel Debt, Choose Hope” campaign, reminding us that global systems must put people before profit.
A Call to Action
The event closed on an inspiring note from Mya Chemonges-Murzynowska, founder of the African, Caribbean, Asian and Mixed Heritage Association in the Highlands. Her message was simple yet powerful:
“Will you be part of the change, or will you look away and say, ‘That’s not my problem’? Think of yourself as a seed—with the power to grow, to create change, and to transform the world around you. So plant yourself, and start where you are.”
Moving Forward Together
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this day possible: our host Pachedu, all of their amazing volunteers and delicious food, and Calabash who provided East African food. Thanks also to our sponsors — Mongol Identity, the National Lottery Community Fund, SCIAF, and Glasgow Afghan United (especially for the amazing food!), all of the stall holders and most importantly, everyone who showed up in support and solidarity.
Together, we can grow something powerful. And we must—because a fairer world needs all of us.
Pictured (left to right), Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship: Johannes Gonani, Kingsley Oturu, Uuganaa Ramsay, MD Rezaur Rahman, Mya Chemonges-Murzynowska, Hannah Clyne (SIDA)