World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is annually held on May 2st to help people learn about the importance of cultural diversity and harmony.

World Day of Dialogue and Cultural Diversity Development is often referred to as Diversity Day that urges everyone to do their part to bridge the gap between cultures.

History

According to the United Nation, bridging the gap among diversity is very essential for peace, development and stability. By deepening our understanding of the values ​​of cultural diversity, we can achieve the following four goals:

• Support sustainable systems for cultural governance.
• Reach achievement in a balanced flow of cultural goods and services.
• Integrating culture into frameworks of sustainable development.
• Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

These four goals have been established in the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

In addition to achieving these goals, adopting other cultures helps us to live more fulfilled lives. This fulfillment happens intellectually, spiritually, and morally. How exactly do we accept other cultures? It all begins with a dialogue between people who are different from us. Other ways to accept our differences are to develop mutual respect and understanding for different cultures and other cultures by faith.

When we focus on accepting other cultures, we help improve many areas of our lives. These areas include education, science, health and the environment. Many also believe that closing the cultural gap can help alleviate poverty.

The General Assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the Joint Declaration on Cultural Diversity in Paris, France, on 2 November 2001. This is the sixth resolution. 249 was adopted at the 57th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Although the declaration was the culmination of years of work, it was adopted in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. This reaffirms the need for intercultural dialogue to prevent it. segregation and fundamentalism.

2002 is chosen as the United Nations Year of Cultural Heritage. Later that year, on 20th December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 21st as World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The General Assembly emphasized the link between the protection of cultural diversity and the importance of dialogue between civilizations in the modern world. The first time of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was commemorated in 2003.

Celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

UNESCO encourages member states and members of society to participate in this day. Culturally diverse events including concerts, educational seminars, workshops and exhibitions are organized around the world. Below are some interesting ways you can take part in:

• Take a visit to an art exhibition or a museum only for other cultures
• Learn about another religion
• Watch international movies
• Listen to a musical tradition from another culture
• Playing a sport related to another culture (Karate, Criquet)
• Cook traditional food from another culture
• Get more knowledge about traditional celebrations from relating cultures
• Be a volunteer and take part in an organization that works for diversity and inclusion
• Learn another language
• Use the hashtag #WorldDayForCulturalDiversity or #DiversityDay to share on social media.