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

  Origin and spirit of the International Day



    The UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity was adopted in 2001, and the United Nations General Assembly subsequently declared May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development through its resolution 57/249 of December 2002.

    In 2011, UNESCO and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations launched the "Make a Gesture for Diversity and Inclusion" campaign to encourage individuals and organizations around the world to take concrete actions to support diversity. Finally, in 2015, the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution A/C.2/70/L.59 on Culture and Sustainable Development , affirming the contribution of culture to the three dimensions of sustainable development: recognizing the world's diversity beyond the natural and cultural; reaffirming that cultures and civilizations can contribute to sustainable development; and reaffirming their role as crucial enabling factors.

    This is an international day on which we must delve into the great values ​​of cultural diversity:
  • Raise awareness about the importance of intercultural dialogue, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Encourage everyone to commit to and support diversity through real actions in their daily lives.
  • Combat polarization and stereotypes to improve understanding and cooperation between people of different cultures.

    The tenth session of the Conference of the Parties on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, which will take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from 18 to 20 June 2025, commemorates the twentieth anniversary of the Convention. The conference will review progress made, assess the implementation of the International Fund for Cultural Diversity, and consider various recommendations.

    Among other activities, strategic directions for the Intergovernmental Committee for 2026–2027 will be established, 12 new members of the Committee will be elected, and the Rules of Procedure will be reviewed. In addition, a Civil Society Forum will be held on 17 June 2025 to strengthen collaboration with civil society stakeholders.

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Collaboration/Research by:  

Researchers and Writers Circle. California Hispanic & Latin American Research Lodge.

Source:

Intellectual property © United Nations
https://www.un.org/es/observances/cultural-diversity-day