Cultural competence has to do with one’s culture. Culture affects among other factors, how children are raised, how families communicate, what is considered normal or abnormal, ways of coping with issues.

Cultural competency means being aware of your own cultural beliefs and values and how these may be different from other cultures—including being able to learn about and honor the different cultures of those you work with.

Cultural competence is particularly important in the 21st century due to several factors:

• Globalization: The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, with people from diverse cultural backgrounds interacting more frequently. Globalization has facilitated international travel, migration, and communication, making cultural competence essential for effective interactions in various settings, such as business, education, healthcare, and diplomacy.

• Cultural diversity in societies: Many countries are experiencing increased cultural diversity within their populations due to immigration and demographic shifts. Cultural competence is crucial for fostering social cohesion, reducing discrimination, and promoting integration and harmony among individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

• Inclusive workplaces: Work environments today often consist of employees from various cultural backgrounds. Culturally competent individuals can contribute to inclusive and productive workplaces by promoting understanding, respect, and effective communication among diverse teams. Organizations that embrace cultural competence tend to have higher employee satisfaction, creativity, and productivity.

• Effective healthcare delivery: Healthcare providers encounter patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, each with unique health beliefs, practices, and preferences. Cultural competence in healthcare is crucial for understanding patients' cultural contexts, addressing language and communication barriers, delivering culturally appropriate care, and improving health outcomes.

• Education and cross-cultural learning: Schools and educational institutions are increasingly diverse, with students from different cultural backgrounds. Culturally competent educators can create inclusive learning environments, tailor teaching approaches to students' cultural backgrounds, and promote cross-cultural understanding and acceptance among students.

• Avoiding cultural misunderstandings and conflicts: Lack of cultural competence can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and conflicts, both at individual and societal levels. Cultural competence helps individuals navigate cultural differences, challenge stereotypes and biases, and promote empathy, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

• Enhancing global cooperation and diplomacy: In an interconnected world, cultural competence is vital for effective international cooperation, diplomacy, and negotiation. Understanding and respecting different cultures, norms, and values are key to building trust, resolving conflicts, and fostering mutual understanding among nations and cultures.

Overall, cultural competence in the 21st century is crucial for fostering inclusivity, understanding, and collaboration in diverse contexts. It allows individuals and organizations to navigate cultural differences effectively, promote equal opportunities, and contribute to a more harmonious and interconnected global society.