Friday, 21 May 2021: Cities across the world have always been melting pots of cultures, ideas, and experiences. Offering everything from loud marketplaces to silent parks, our cities have become the homes of sensations, allowing us to experience new sounds, sights and smells every day.
As the COVID-19 pandemic struck and many of our streets fell silent, the cheering crowds from the football game were placed in front of the television instead. Cultural events were cancelled, several cultural institutions closed, community cultural practices suspended and most World Heritage sites became deserted.
There is also heightened risk of looting of cultural sites and poaching at natural reserves while artists are unable to make ends meet.
In a nutshell, we all lost touch with parts of the diversity we love in the face of the global pandemic.
The socio-economic hardship triggered by this pandemic has highlighted more than ever before the importance of cultural diversity.
CEOAFRICA hereby examines the relevance of cultural diversity in relation to peaceful dialogue and development.
Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
The United Nations, (UN), General Assembly first declared this World Day in 2002, following the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, (UNESCO)’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, recognizing the need to enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence.
According to the UN, “The impact of COVID-19 on the cultural sector is being felt around the world. This impact is social, economic and political – it affects the fundamental right of access to culture, the social rights of artists and creative professionals, and the protection of a diversity of cultural expressions.
“The unfolding crisis risks deepening inequalities and rendering communities vulnerable. In addition, the creative and cultural industries (CCI) contribute US$2,250billion to the global economy (3% of GDP) and account for 29.5 million jobs worldwide.
“Hence, the economic fall-out of not addressing the cultural sector - and all auxiliary services, particularly in the tourism sector - could be disastrous.”
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is therefore an occasion to promote culture and highlight the significance of world diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change.
It represents an opportunity to celebrate culture’s manifold forms, from the tangible and intangible, to creative industries, not leaving out the diversity of cultural expressions. The observance reflects on how cultural diversity can aid dialogue, mutual understanding, and the socio-environmental and economic vectors of sustainable development.
On this day, various events, seminars and exhibitions are often organised worldwide to increase the understanding of issues surrounding cultural diversity and development among governments, non-governmental organizations and the public, alongside presentations on the progress of implementing the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.
Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life.
Cultural diversity is therefore an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of peaceful co-existence.
Findings by CEOAFRICA indicates that three-quarter of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension to it. Thus, bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for the promotion of peace, stability and sustainable development.
