21 May, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

The last decade of the 20th century has seen the advent of the conflicts of so-called “cultural origins”. The beginning of a new millennium did not turn out to be much successful in conjuring the mistrust that one feel towards “the others”. Yet, our Planet counts an endless number of peoples and communities, each with its specific languages, traditions, know-how and identities, which is an infinite source of creativity and as such should enrich our lives . In this era of Globalization, where the contact with the others is a daily matter, can we keep on rejecting or ignoring this wealth?

Far from separating us, the cultural diversity is a collective strength, which should benefit the entire world. In this sense, it should be recognized and affirmed as a “Common Heritage” of Humanity.

Further to the adoption of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in November 2001, the General Assembly of the United Nations welcomed the Declaration and the main lines of Action Plan and proclaimed 21 May, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The Day will provide us with an opportunity to deepen the understanding on the values of the Cultural Diversity and to learn to better “live together”. This is why UNESCO appeals to the Member States as well as to all the civil society to celebrate this World Day, involving as much actors and partners as possible.

We will be pleased to hear about your inititaves and original ideas. write us !!: Division of Cultural Policies and Intercultural Dialogue, UNESCO, 1 rue Miollis 75732 Paris Cedex 15 or m.chiba@unesco.org.