Jehane Noujaim Quotes

The world is far more interconnected today. Hence the need to understand each other is greater than ever before.

Americans always see China through the looking glass, and I think it's about time - with technology and of the growing economic relationship between these two countries - I think it's natural and better for all of us to have a better understanding of each other.

In the globalized world that is ours, maybe we are moving towards a global village, but that global village brings in a lot of different people, a lot of different ideas, lots of different backgrounds, lots of different aspirations.

I know it sounds Pollyannish and 'Kumbaya'-like, but I find that the more that you expose Americans to the diversity of what's going on in China and vice versa, the more people find that there is this broad middle path. And so I'm a strong advocate of intense visits and dialogue back and forth.

The fact that television and tourism have made the whole world accessible has created the illusion that we enjoy intimate knowledge of other places, when we barely scratch their surface. For the vast majority, the knowledge of Thailand or Sri Lanka acquired through tourism consists of little more than the whereabouts of the beach.

The most important thing for me is to have real friendship between Egyptians and Americans.

I'm interested in internationalism. It's the new multiculturalism. How we deal with each other isn't sufficient any more. It's about time we examine how we interact with the rest of the world we live in.

The world is getting more connected through technology and travel. Cuisines are evolving. Some people are scared of globalization, but I think people will always take pride in cultural heritage.

It's fun to meet people from throughout the world who you don't have to explain yourself to.

Today we live in a global village but we don’t have our global elders to guide and inspire us.

American audiences very rarely deal with material outside their borders.

We're living with the Arabs; we have to understand them... Through knowing the Arabs, you know yourself better.

I think that's important: to know 'the other,' as a means of coming to understanding.

I've been exposed to so many different cultures.

Traveling is an experience that you can always carry with you. It makes the world come together more so we understand each other better.

The essence of intercultural education is the acquisition of empathy-the ability to see the world as others see it, and to allow for the possibility that others may see something we have failed to see, or may see it more accurately. The simple purpose of the exchange program...is to erode the culturally rooted mistrust that sets nations against one another. The exchange program is not a panacea but an avenue of hope.

I serve like a bridge. I go to other cultures, learn, put myself in different situations and learn as much as I can, and then go to Western cultures to give. I'm doing this bridging all the time.

The spirit of seeking understanding through personal contact with people of other nations and other cultures deserves the respect and support of all.

I think we are evolving rapidly into one world culture. It's certainly one world economy. With billions of people online, I think we'll appreciate the wisdom in many different traditions as we learn more about them. People were very isolated and didn't know anything about other religions 100 years ago.

The nations of the West hope that by means of steam communication all the world will become as one family.

Americans want to be exposed to the opportunities that a changing world can offer.

I say the same thing that I've said for decades now, which is: don't go over to Japan trying to change it, thinking that you know better. Go there trying to understand.

Whether you go to Turkey or Mexico, China or Australia, find time to involve yourself with the people you're dealing with.

Everything has changed. When I was at school and was told I had better learn English, I said: What for? The English are a hell of a long way away!

Travel early and travel often. Live abroad, if you can. Understand cultures other than your own. As your understanding of other cultures increases, your understanding of yourself and your own culture will increase exponentially.