In 2002, May 21 was designated as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. This day provides an opportunity to better understand and value cultural diversity as well as to encourage the advancement of the goals of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions:
- Support sustainable systems of governance for culture
- Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase mobility of artists and cultural professionals
- Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks
- Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms
The development of an understanding and respect for cultural diversity is vital if we want to stand against intolerance. An acceptance and acknowledgement of cultural differences leads us to open dialogues of topics such as religion, social justice, and politics.
Here at UNC in our work toward the Rowing, Not Drifting 2030 strategic plan vision element of empower inclusivity, we stress the importance of celebrating diverse backgrounds and learning from historical experiences that have impacted particular communities. The purpose of our sharing of diversity, equity and inclusion highlights is to provide an introduction to topics and an awareness of the many observances that exist in our communities, nation, and across the globe.
For additional education and personal development related to diversity, equity and inclusion, please use the following resources: DDEI Education and Resources, DEI & Antiracism Resources from the UNC Libraries, and the Education Equity Toolkit from the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
