On May 21th, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated, an initiative that celebrates not only the richness of world cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development.
The date was first signaled in 2002 by the United Nations General Assembly, after the adoption by UNESCO of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001, recognizing the need to "enhance the potential of culture as a means to achieve prosperity, development sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence".
With the adoption in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations, the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is even more important. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved by harnessing the creative potential of the world's diverse cultures and stimulating an on-going dialogue that ensures that all members of society benefit from sustainable development.