Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. The United Nations General Assembly first declared this World Day in 2002, following UNESCO’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, recognizing the need to “enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence.”
With the
adoption in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development by the United Nations, and the Resolution A/C. 2/70/L.59 on
Culture and Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in
December 2015, the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for
Dialogue and Development is more important than ever. The 17 Sustainable
Development Goals can best be achieved by drawing upon the creative
potential of the world’s diverse cultures, and engaging in continuous dialogue
to ensure that all members of society benefit from sustainable
development.
