cultural-diversity

What is The World Day for Cultural Diversity?

On May 21st, The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an occasion started by UNESCO with the aim of celebrating and honoring the cultural diversity in the world. This day also observes the indispensable role cultural diversity plays in enabling dialogue across the globe and in the development of economy and society.

Why is Cultural Diversity important?

Earth is a multi-faceted kaleidoscope, with each culture providing a uniquely colored glance into the human soul. All these different cultures are dimensions in and of itself, intricately linking arts, compendiums, sciences, educations, faiths, and more. Upon seeking through these countless varieties, one can eventually find universal truths about the human spirit. Why is this important? Because cultural diversity is therefore a means for one to realize their true Self, thus realizing the inner light that lies in every human.

Moreover these shared truths are what makes cultural diversity a uniting factor rather than dividing. Because all cultures are formed on the same truths, they ultimately serve to unite people through diversity. According to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of the internationally widespread Sahaja Yoga Meditation, “ . . . We have to see the inner light, in all what is described, which is making us separated, is actually the uniting factor. The diversity has such a beautiful unity within us.”

How does Cultural Diversity promote dialogue and development?

Not only does cultural diversity carry an ultimate spiritual importance, but it also promotes development in the arts, the economy, and technology as a whole. According to UNESCO, the arts and culture community makes up around 6% of the world’s GDP. Additionally, international trade — which stems from the desire to share cultures with others — not only boosts overall economic growth but it also helps to end poverty on a global scale. Even in technology, the internet has become the de facto platform for sharing and appreciating cultural diversity, since it is so far-reaching. This allows for easy and efficient international dialogue which is the foundation for a global peace tribe.

Ways to celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity

World Day for Cultural Diversity is a day to look around your environment and simply enjoy the diversity in all the people you interact with. Learning about new cultures and spreading awareness about your own culture are great ways to observe this occasion. Even something as simple as asking people what they like about their culture, or participating in a cultural tradition you are unfamiliar with can memorialize the beauty of the intercultural world we live in. However, while the world is full of cultural diversity, there can sometimes be little to no representation of it. This can lead to cultural suppression in a person, which can negatively impact their mental and emotional health from a young age. As such, this day is also an important day to raise discussions about how to continue promoting cultural diversity since it has countless benefits for the entire world.

UNESCO BMW’s Involvement

A primary focus of our organization is to commemorate, support, and share the artistic heritage of the cultures of the world. This is achieved through multiple performing arts projects ranging from annual art competitions, and piano recitals, to even dance performances and group guitar lessons. All of these can be found on our Youtube Page. Over the years, UNESCO BMW has also hosted countless local artists to spread their love of culture through the arts and culture programs. This is also conducted with equity, diversity, and inclusion as its mission.  

Importantly, UNESCO BMW conducts seasonal events; the Summer celebrations, commemorated in May, are dedicated to Dialogue and Cultural Diversity. This celebration features exhibitions of cultural traditions and heritage arts. Beyond the arts and even in the sciences, UNESCO BMW has held multiple International Model UN/Stem camps to encourage youth engagement and to uphold cultural diversity for them. UNESCO BMW is a culturally diverse organization itself, featuring volunteers and members from all over the world. Our team utilizes the online platforms for its widespread nature in order to continue our goal of sharing the beauty of diversity with the world.

UNESCO BMW’s vision

Our vision is to share and preserve the cultural and artistic heritage from around the world along with facilitating respect for Mother Earth all of which is supported by inner peace through meditation with free mentoring. UNESCO BMW is entirely nonprofit and aims to promote inner peace practices, encouragements of arts and crafts as well as protection of the ecosystem. Support us by donating and becoming a member of the organization, or by registering as a volunteer. 

By Kriti

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