WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY FOR DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT

May 21, 2019

On 21st May, the UAE is celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development to highlight its efforts in promoting tolerance and cultural diversity. The event will coincide with the country’s declaration of 2019 as the Year for Tolerance.

About: 

  • Date of observance: Every year on May 21. 

  • History: 
    • In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in 2002, the UN General Assembly declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. 

    • This day was created as a result of the destruction of the Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan in 2001. 



  • Objective: To advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted in 2005 – 
    • Support sustainable systems of governance for culture. 

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

    • Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks. 

    • Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.