Why does cultural diversity matter?

By Davis Akampurira
 "Celebrating cultural diversity means opening up new perspectives for sustainable development and promoting creative industries and cultural entrepreneurship as sources of millions of jobs worldwide particularly for young people and especially for women.

Culture is a sustainable development accelerator whose potential has been recognised in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations." ~ Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO ~

Sunday, May 21, was the world culture diversity day.  Cultural diversity is a constant part of our society, people with different cultural backgrounds live next to each other and through new media, we learn about things that happen on the other side of the world.

It is a driving force of development, not only in respect to economic growth, but also in promoting social cohesion and intercultural dialogue.

 In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our 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 20 October 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 in sustainable development frameworks
4.    Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms
 We, recognise that the world, as a society is built from veracity, developed by people from different cultures. Thus, young people, as a largest part of world population, must understand that each individual enriches others' lives through this diversity.

It is in our variation that there is a strength hidden and for every overlap of those differences, there is a relief found.

 Governments should preserve its role in not only encouraging but also works together with young people to look for commonalities in other cultures through dialogue. By recognising, acknowledging and embracing these similarities, we become one intrinsic nature and value, we become united.

We long for youth from all around the world to perceive the relation of cultural diversity and the ideal concept of union. We believe that the more diverse the society, the stronger the bond created.

 Therefore, let us create a world of peace and solidarity that can only be accomplished by acknowledging and celebrating our diversity.

 Happy World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development!

The writer Team Leader -Africa Leadership Awards /Youth Activist