It is argued that because of rapid demographic change at the end of the current century, characterized by growing population diversity, closed systems that cannot accommodate these changes will be hurt. Europe in general, and Switzerland in particular, must adjust perspectives and integrate cultural diversity into the social system as a new value. This suggests that society must work to create a Europe of shared spaces, acknowledged minorities, multiple languages, affirmed identities, and pluralistic citizenry. It also suggests that education must continue in the direction of multilingualism and treat the issue of migration as a new, multicultural paradigm. So far, it is argued, the schools are virtually alone in this quest, but the need is societal as well as educational. Linkages are drawn between this trend and the growing acknowledgement of the rights of the child. Text is entirely in French. (MSE)