World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (21/05)

On May 21, 2003, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was celebrated for the first time.

In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, proclaimed May 21 as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

In the same document, the UN invited all Member States, intergovernmental bodies, organizations of the United Nations system and relevant non-governmental organizations, among other things, to inform the public about the value and importance of cultural diversity and, in particular, to promote awareness through education and the media the positive role of cultural diversity.

However, and this fact was also noted in the message, currently Culture is threatened by a variety of factors — in one case, excessive protection of national identity poses a threat to the culture of various minorities; in another — religion puts pressure on culture; in the third —, in almost all countries of the world, under the influence of globalization, languages disappear, traditions are lost, vulnerable cultures are marginalized, or even completely disappear.

Therefore, the danger of a sharp reduction in the breadth of cultural diversity is very serious, and the problem of preserving cultural heritage for future generations is very relevant.

All these facts and awareness of their existence determined the adoption in 2001 of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which is accompanied by the twenty pillars of the Action Plan, and which proposes a new understanding of the relationship between diversity, dialogue and development. These three concepts are interrelated and make it possible to take into account and optimize the cultural resources of humanity.

By approving this Declaration, UNESCO Member States committed themselves to recognizing, protecting and actively promoting the benefits of cultural diversity at the local, national and international levels.

Cultural diversity is a driving force for development, not only in relation to economic growth, but also as a means for a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. This is recorded in all seven cultural conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity — is a valuable asset that is essential to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.

The problem of preserving cultural heritage for future generations is very relevant today (Photo: © bst2012 /Photobank Photojenica)

The COVID-19 crisis has affected the entire world and affected every aspect of society, including culture. Cultural events were canceled, cultural institutions were closed, UNESCO World Heritage sites were closed to the public, and there was a risk of looting cultural sites and increased cases of poaching in nature reserves. The consequences are social, economic and political in nature. This concerns access to culture, the social rights of artists and creative workers and the protection of the diversity of cultural expressions.

But at the same time, during the period of social distancing, billions of people turned to culture. People are actively creating content on the Internet, there has been a significant increase in virtual visits to museums and galleries, and virtual cultural events, such as choral singing, are held through social networks. UNESCO has launched a website that publishes information on best practices to combat new challenges that can be adapted to national conditions.

Today, this holiday is celebrated in many countries around the world, which allows people to better understand the values of cultural diversity and provides an opportunity to develop cooperation between peoples.

Back in 2013, as part of the annual World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, UNESCO and the UN Alliance of Civilizations launched a campaign under the slogan «Do one thing» in support of the movement for diversity and participation. By encouraging people and organizations around the world to take concrete action to support diversity, the campaign also aims to raise global awareness of the importance of intercultural dialogue, diversity and integration, and to build a global community of people committed to maintaining diversity in real and everyday life.



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