World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration of Cultural Diversity, and the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Cultural diversity constitutes a driving force for the development of societies, and is a necessary feature to reduce poverty and crises and achieve sustainable development. Since three-quarters of the world's major conflicts have cultural dimensions, cross-cultural communication is essential to achieve peace, stability and development for nations. The acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity through the creative use of Media, Information Technology (IT), and Communication Technology in particular contribute to creating dialogue among civilizations and cultures and achieving mutual respect and understanding.