21 May: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
As UNESCO states, cultural diversity is equivalent in importance to biodiversity for living organisms. The 2001 UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which contains 12 articles on this universal right, underlines that ‘culture takes different forms in time and space.
This diversity is reflected in the originality and plurality of identities that characterise different groups and societies. Cultural diversity is as essential to humanity as biodiversity is to living organisms. In this sense, it represents the common heritage of humanity and must be recognised and consolidated for the benefit of present and future generations’.
The importance of cultural diversity is that it contributes to the common heritage of humanity and allows for a rich exchange of knowledge, practices and values that foster understanding and cooperation between different communities. Promoting and protecting this diversity is essential not only for sustainable development, but also for strengthening global peace and security, as it fosters inclusiveness, addressing differences with respect and dignity.