Message from Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, on the Occasion of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

21 May 2016

Celebrating cultural diversity means valuing an outstanding source of exchanges, innovation and creativity, recognizing that the wealth of cultures is the constitutive power of humanity and an important asset for peace and development, the promotion of which is inseparable from the observance of human rights.

Celebrating cultural diversity also means being aware of the ties that bind us to our environment, because cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature, as clearly stated in the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, adopted in 2001.

Celebrating cultural diversity means opening up new perspectives for sustainable development and promoting creative industries and cultural entrepreneurship as sources of millions of jobs worldwide – particularly for young people and especially for women. Culture is a sustainable development accelerator whose potential has been recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations. Culture offers the unique opportunity to reconcile the economic and social aspects of development – cultural goods and services have identities, reference points and values, while enabling millions of creators, artists and professionals to make a living from their work. Celebrating cultural diversity means enabling them to practice their trade and helps them to enrich the cultural landscape, which in turn enriches us.

Celebrating, at the same time, cultural diversity that broadens our horizons and human rights that unite us: this is the core of UNESCO’s mandate, for heritage, education, information and knowledge sharing. The enemies of human rights always attack cultural diversity, which symbolizes the freedom to be and to think, and which is unbearable to them. On this day, let us dare to respond to them collectively: I call upon all Member States to strengthen the spirit of this day, as a peaceful weapon against the temptations of isolationism, closure and exclusion, which lead humanity to renounce itself, ignoring its own wealth.

Members of Mongolia’s National Academic Ensemble of Folk Song and Dance perform at the 2011 UN Day Concert, under the theme “Celebrating Cultural Diversity.” UN Photo/Ryan Brown

Why does cultural diversity matter?

Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension.

Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.

Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. This is captured in the seven culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development.

At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity – in particular through innovative use of media and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) – are conducive to dialogue among civilizations and cultures, respect and mutual understanding.

In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005:

1 Support sustainable systems of governance for culture

2 Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase mobility of artists and cultural professionals

3 Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks

4 Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms

In Brazil, different beliefs unite against religious intolerance

Launched in January 2017, the report ‘Religious Intolerance in Brazil’ will be used to monitor and tackle discrimination. “Worldwide, there is a growing wave of intolerance and restrictions imposed on the exercise of the right to freedom of religion or belief,” said the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed.

President Xi Jinping Speaks at UNESCO

2014-03-27 CRIENGLISH.com

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a packed auditorium of representatives from UNESCO's members, members of the diplomatic corps in France, business leaders and other distinguished personalities on Thursday, March 27, 2014. [Photo: unesco.org]

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday delivered a speech at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, in Paris, France.

Xi became the first ever Chinese head of state to visit UNESCO.

President Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan were welcomed to the Organization's Paris Headquarters by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, who described the visit as "historic" and highlighted the long-standing ties between China and UNESCO.

In a meeting with Bokova, Xi Jinping pledged to increase Chinese scholarships through UNESCO to enhance teacher training in Africa and other developing regions.

Following the meeting, the President addressed a packed auditorium of representatives from UNESCO members, representatives of the diplomatic corps in France, business leaders and other distinguished personalities.

In his speech, President Xi called for respect and protection of cultural diversity, and stressed the importance of maintaining and reinforcing exchanges and dialogue between cultures.

President Xi said China supports UNESCO activities and will increase the number of candidates for the Great Wall fellowship program, provided to African and other developing countries through UNESCO, from 25 to 75 each year.

Xi Jinping called for more vigorous development of science and technology, as such advancement and innovation can help people better understand themselves and the world and be in a stronger position to change society for the better.

The Chinese president also expounded on the Chinese dream, which he says is about prosperity of the country, rejuvenation of the nation, and happiness of the people.

He also expressed gratitude to UNESCO for its contribution to the preservation and dissemination of Chinese culture.