Heinrich Popow is an advocate of cultural diversity.
The athlete and member of the TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen team has been appointed national Ambassador for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (EYID) along with film composer Hans Zimmer, actress Minh-Khai Phan-Thi and other high-profile figures. Other 2008 European Ambassadors of the Year include author Paulo Coelho and Henning Mankell as well as singer and composer Charles Aznavour.
According to the EYID website, globalisation and the addition of new member states to the EU have resulted in increased cultural diversity in Europe. For this reason, the EYID says intercultural dialogue is becoming increasingly important. In a project called “Together in Diversity,” people throughout Europe are encouraged to learn about and experience Europe’s diverse cultures, languages and religions. As part of the initiative, selected projects are showcased and promoted at the national and international level. The high-profile ambassadors are appointed to articulate the great importance of intercultural dialogue.
For more information, see www.interculturaldialogue2008.eu .
