May 21, 2015 is World Day for Cultural Diversity. It is an observance to help people learn the importance of cultural diversity and harmony. Why is diversity important? It provides a lesson for all of us to be okay with the things that make us individuals: race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, language and understanding and accepting people for who they are. Learning about other cultures helps us relate to one another and be okay with different perspectives.
Background of World Day of Cultural Diversity:
The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in Paris, France, on November 2, 2001. It was the 249th resolution adopted at the 57th session of the United Nations General Conference. Although the declaration was the culmination of years of work, it was adopted in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. This reaffirmed the need for intercultural dialogue to prevent segregation and fundamentalism.
The year 2002 was the United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage. At the end of that year, on December 20, 2002, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The General Assembly emphasized links between the protection of cultural diversity and the importance of dialogue between civilizations in the modern world. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was first observed in 2003.
What are your thoughts on diversity and how it makes our world such a cool place?
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