What is the difference between the terms “multicultural” and “intercultural”?

Both “multiculturalism” and “interculturalism” are frequently confused with one another, and yet
there is a big difference between them. A multicultural society is one where people from
different cultures, nationalities, ethnic and religious groups live in the same area, but are not
necessarily in contact with one another. What we see in multicultural societies is that the mutual
differences are often the basis for discrimination, where minorities may be tolerated, but are
seldom fully accepted or valued. Even the law isn’t applied equally to everyone, despite the fact
that legal rights exist to counteract these practices. The concept of an intercultural society is the
next step in human evolution that will eventually lead to universalism. Interculturalism occurs in
a society where people from different cultures, nationalities, ethnic and religious groups live in
the same area and keep an open and impartial relationship with one another. Within an
intercultural society, people recognize each other’s way of life and accept these differences with
respect and appreciation, and live together in order to actively encourage a healthy balance of
interest, tolerance and self–achievement. This is a process that makes it possible for all members
of the society to be treated equally and fairly.