TU Clausthal: Diversity and tolerance for a better future!

TU Clausthal: Diversity and tolerance for a better future!

On June 27, 2025, the Executive Board of Clausthal University of Technology sent a clear signal for peace and harmonious coexistence. In a recent announcement, those responsible at the university committed themselves to a commitment that includes all people, regardless of their background. Clausthal University of Technology is proud of its international network and sees itself as a place for knowledge exchange that promotes tolerance, diversity and human rights. These core values ​​are particularly relevant in a world characterized by conflict and tension. The conviction that working together towards a better future is possible shapes the mission of the university.

In this context, the topic of religious tolerance plays a central role. International legal frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, play a crucial role in promoting peaceful coexistence between religions. Nevertheless, there are significant challenges in implementing these legal provisions. Discrimination against certain religious groups as well as political will and cultural resistance represent significant hurdles that must be overcome.

The role of international law

International law provides the basis for promoting religious tolerance in an increasingly diverse world. Since its founding in 2006, the UN Human Rights Council has been tasked with monitoring compliance with human rights worldwide. This occurs in the context of global challenges: discrimination and violence against religious groups remain widespread, while public awareness and political engagement are often lacking.

Nevertheless, there are also opportunities to strengthen religious tolerance. Recent developments in globalization and the digital revolution are opening up new avenues of communication that make it possible to promote interfaith initiatives and educational programs. These can serve to reduce conflicts and intensify dialogue between different faith communities. The influence of religious leaders also plays a crucial role in this process.

Human dignity and diversity

Peace is a core value of the international community and essential for the realization of human rights. The right to life forms the basis for the realization of all other human rights. States can only thrive if their sovereignty and independence are not threatened by violence. The United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force between states and promotes peaceful relations.

It is of the utmost importance that states maintain mutual respect and not interfere in each other's internal affairs. Sovereign equality allows each state to regulate its affairs according to its own traditions. Nevertheless, the differences in the ratification status of various international human rights instruments reflect cultural and civilizational diversity. This requires respectful dialogue and careful consideration of the exercise of human rights in different contexts.

The founders of the United Nations committed themselves to tolerance and peaceful coexistence. It is up to today's actors to realize this vision by rejecting a false universalism and instead developing an inclusive understanding of human rights based on mutual respect and cooperation. The developments at TU Clausthal are a step in this direction and can serve as an example for other institutions.

For a peaceful future, it is essential that all social forces - educational institutions, religious communities and state institutions - pull together. This is the only way to create a world in which peace, diversity and tolerance prevail tu-clausthal.de, lse.ac.uk and zeit-fragen.ch document.