International Nubia Day
On July 7th each year, Nubians around the world celebrate "International Nubia Day." The idea of celebrating began in 2004 by several Nubian groups to honor this region, its history, and heritage. The seventh day of the seventh month was chosen for the celebration due to its association with many Nubian customs and rituals, such as visiting graves for seven days after death, women passing through incense seven times after childbirth, and immersing a newborn child in the Nile on the seventh day.
Nubians are among the oldest civilized peoples in the world, having settled around the Nile River for thousands of years in the region of southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Nubia was divided into three kingdoms (Kush, Meroe, and Napata), and it included the Nile Basin countries: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, and Congo. Ancient Nubia was divided into three geographical areas: the northern region inhabited by the Nubian "Kenuz" who speak the Matoki language, the central region inhabited by Arabs comprising six villages where Arabic is spoken alongside Nubian, and the southern region inhabited by the Nubian Fadija.
The celebration of International Nubia Day is a form of cultural diversity within Egyptian society. The Bezoor Project focuses on the concept of cultural diversity, fostering mutual cooperation, and promoting dialogue to enhance the value of peace and reject violence.
The Nasser Youth Movement is grounded in numerous international charters that reinforce the concept of cultural diversity. UNESCO adopted the "Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity" in 2002, recognizing cultural diversity as part of humanity's common heritage. Article 1 of the declaration states that cultural diversity is a heritage shared by humanity, manifesting in the unique and diverse identities of groups and societies that make up humankind. Cultural diversity, as a source of exchange, renewal, and creativity, is essential for humankind just as biodiversity is for living organisms. In this sense, cultural diversity is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations.
The "Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions," adopted by UNESCO on October 20, 2005, outlines several key objectives: protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions, creating conditions for cultures to thrive and freely interact in a mutually enriching way, encouraging intercultural dialogue to ensure broader and more balanced cultural exchanges worldwide, fostering respect among cultures, and promoting a culture of peace. It also aims to enhance cultural communication to bridge gaps between peoples and increase awareness of the value of cultural diversity at local, national, and international levels.
Egypt's Vision 2030, through its cultural axis within the social dimension, seeks to establish a system of positive cultural values in Egyptian society that respects diversity and difference. It aims to build a just, cohesive society characterized by equality in economic, social, and political rights and opportunities, with the highest degree of social integration, while also supporting marginalized segments of society.
The tenth goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries. It emphasizes the empowerment and promotion of social, economic, and political inclusion for all, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status, by 2030.
