Hyderabad: The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed annually on May 21, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002. This day highlights the significance of cultural richness and the crucial role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and sustainable development globally.
The declaration followed United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001, emphasising culture's potential in achieving prosperity, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence.
Amidst concerning UN statistics revealing that 89 percent of current global conflicts occur in nations with limited intercultural dialogue, the need to prioritize and strengthen such dialogue for effective cooperation and lasting peace is paramount.
UNESCO data highlights the cultural and creative sector's substantial contribution to global development, accounting for over 48 million jobs, with nearly half held by women. This sector represents 6.2 percent of global employment and 3.1 percent of the world's GDP. Notably, it also offers significant employment opportunities for young people under 30. Despite its economic and social impact, the cultural and creative sector often lacks adequate attention in public policy and international cooperation.
Rise of Intolerance
A concerning trend of rising intolerance towards the “other”, those perceived as different is being observed worldwide. This manifests in xenophobic and discriminatory attitudes, often fueled by fear of the “other” or unknown. Consequently, reinforcing intercultural dialogue is increasingly urgent. While migration can significantly contribute to cultural diversity and exchange, migrants and refugees are frequently the primary victims of this growing intolerance.
History of the Day
The origins of the World Day for Cultural Diversity trace back to the 1998 UNESCO Intergovernmental Conference on Cultural Policies for Development in Stockholm. Subsequently, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001.
The UN General Assembly further proclaimed 2002 as the United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage before officially designating May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in 2002.
In 2015, the UN General Assembly reaffirmed cultural diversity's vital role in economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development.
Significance of Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity encompasses the presence of individuals and groups from various cultural backgrounds, influencing behaviors, attitudes, practices, beliefs, values, and racial and ethnic identities within organizations and communities. It serves as a significant catalyst for development, enriching intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual lives, alongside driving economic growth.
This annual observance also promotes the four objectives of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted in 2005.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by the UN in 2015, further signifies the importance of leveraging the creative potential of diverse cultures and engaging in continuous dialogue to ensure inclusive benefits from sustainable development.
The UNESCO Culture 2030 Indicators serve as a framework to assess and monitor culture's enabling contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
