“Cultural Diversity gives our life its richness.”
-Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.

In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration of Cultural Diversity. The year after, the UN General Assembly declared May 21 as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The Importance of World Day for Cultural Diversity

The importance of this day is reflected in being an opportunity to celebrate culture’s manifold forms. And highlight being a driving force for development. In addition to an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development. Moreover, the World Day for Cultural Diversity contributes to dialogue and mutual understanding. Also to the social, environmental, and economic vectors of sustainable development. [1]

The Contribution of Cultural Diversity Cultures Openness

It is often believed that cultural diversity can pose a threat to society. But in fact, cultural diversity allows individuals to open up to cultures different from their own. This, in turn, enables them to acquire the knowledge they are unfamiliar with. Also learn about various civilizations on our planet. Therefore, their minds become enlightened with new prospects for thinking and addressing problems. 

The Contribution of Cultural Diversity to Promoting Peaceful Coexistence 

This is what makes it imperative for individuals to accept and respect cultural diversity. As a means to enrich the learning experience with our different experiences. While most conflicts come from our ignorance of others and their perceptions. The great benefit comes from learning about the experiences of others and increasing the ideas for advancing ourselves and our societies. On the other hand, our awareness of the importance of accepting and respecting cultural diversity contributes to promoting peaceful coexistence away from conflict.

Also read: International Day of Living Together in Peace

Some Challenges

Despite the importance and necessity of cultural diversity. The fact that it faces some challenges cannot be ignored. Of which: [2]

• Conflicts may arise as a result of differing views and opinions. Especially on sensitive matters, such as the beliefs inherent in all individuals.
• Exaggerated interest in a particular group of individuals over others within the same country or institution.
• Despite the numerous attempts within some institutions to set foundations and standards that suit all working individuals. Managers continue to face difficulties in finding standards that fit the different cultures present in one work environment.
• We won’t forget the most important element of any culture in any part of the world, that is the language, which, at the same time, forms a barrier to communication among different cultures.

Finally, this day represents a true celebration of our initiative based on its embrace of different women and men in their diversity of cultures and environments, and giving them a safe and appropriate space to show their differences to spread the culture of dialogue and promote the learning process.