World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in United States

Date: May 21 annually

History: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2002, following UNESCO's adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001. The day was created in response to the destruction of the Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan in 2001, which highlighted the need to promote culture and diversity.

Objective: The day aims to deepen 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 October 20, 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 into sustainable development frameworks. 4. Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Traditions & Activities: In the United States, activities may include educational programs and events promoting diversity, such as:

• Cultural festivals showcasing different traditions through music, dance, food, art, etc.
• Panel discussions or seminars on topics related to cultural diversity.
• School activities that encourage students to learn about various cultures.
• Community service projects focused on supporting diverse communities.

People might engage in personal or community efforts such as:

• Visiting museums or cultural centers with exhibits from different cultures.
• Reading books or watching films from diverse cultures.
• Engaging in dialogues about diversity with friends, family, or colleagues.

Organizations across sectors often take this opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to promoting diversity within their structures and among their stakeholders.

Note

The observance does not typically involve any formal traditions but rather serves as an occasion to reflect on and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural diversity present within nations like the United States.