Today we celebrate World day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20th October 2005:
- Support sustainable systems of governance for culture.
- Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase mobility of artists and cultural professionals.
- Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks.
- Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.
UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity back in 2001, and then in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared 21st May to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
So how can you celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development today? The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) offers the following suggestions:
- Visit an art exhibit or a museum dedicated to other cultures.
- Learn about another religion.
- Plan an international movie night.
- Listen to a musical tradition from a different culture.
- Play a sport related to a different culture (Karate, Criquet, Pétanque…).
- Invite a friend over and cook traditional food.
- Learn about traditional celebrations from other cultures.
- Volunteer with an organisation working for diversity and inclusion.
- Learn another language.
- Spread the word around you, family, friends and invite people from a different culture to share your customs.
For more information on World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, click here.
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