World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, 21 May
21 May has been designated the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development by UNESCO. The Day aims to deepen understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to promote intercultural dialogue.
Culture is a driving force of development, not only in respect to economic growth, but also in promoting social cohesion and intercultural dialogue. Protecting, preserving and promoting culture, including cultural diversity, is one of the central pillars of UNESCO’s work. UNESCO is a key advocate for the role of culture in development and UNESCO’s international conventions are essential tools for raising awareness of the importance of culture.
The 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions emphasises that cultural diversity is one of the main drivers of sustainable development for communities. The 2009 UNESCO World Report: Investing in Cultural Diversity and Intercultural Dialogue reiterates that sustainable development needs a cultural dimension and points to increasing awareness of the close link between cultural practices and environmental integrity.
Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO said: “The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development affords us an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the vitality inherent in the diversity of all cultures, without exception, and on the pressing need to protect diversity and make it the central plank of development strategies. This Day also affords each one of us an opportunity to ponder over ways and means of being humanly and practically involved in building tolerance towards all of the world’s cultures.” Click here to read the Director-General’s full message.
2010 has been named the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures which aims to demonstrate the benefits of cultural diversity and integrate the principles of dialogue and mutual knowledge in all policies, particularly in the areas of education, science, culture and communication, to help combat stereotypes, prejudice and misrepresentation.
Written: 20/05/2010 , last modified: 20/05/2010
World day for Cultural Diversity