World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Since 2002, the 21st of May represents the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. On this day we celebrate the importance of cultural diversity and harmony.
After adopting the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity on the 2nd of November 2001, the UNESCO declared that the 21st of May as the International Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
Since when it was established in 2002, the United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage, this day serves as a reminder of the link between the protection of cultural diversity and the importance of dialogue between civilizations in the modern world.
“On 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, UNESCO encourages people around the world to join us in celebrating cultural diversity, and advocating for ways to protect and promote it in their own communities. In this way, all will be included and no one will be left behind.” Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
This international observation represents the opportunity to promote culture and highlight the significance of its diversity as a tool of inclusion and positive change. As we know, football can be a powerful tool to promote this message, strengthening the knowledge and acceptance of diversity in society.
Here is what the EFDN and its members are doing to celebrate cultural diversity:
EFDN Youth Exchanges
During a Youth Exchange EFDN wants to promote the involvement of young people in their communities, and to discuss the potential invisible barriers in society. Strategies to overcome these barriers will be explored. The exchange will make participants feel confident in taking part in all aspects of society and learn them a lot about life of young people from very different countries and cultures. In that way, a Youth Exchange brings the ideal of global citizenship to life.
Athletic Bilbao
The Basque team has as its core philosophy to protect and celebrate its cultural heritage. Proud of their uniqueness, footballers and the Club’s staff take part in events, such as Korrika and Ibilaldia, organised in support of the Basque language.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad is contributing to the protection of their cultural diversity by taking part in the ‘Uso de las lenguas’ project to promote the use and normalization of the Basque language. Moreover, the Club annually organises Korner, a festival to promote the link between culture and football.
Celebrate cultural diversity and be a Supporter of Each Other
With the campaign Supporter of Each Other, EFDN aims to inspire people, clubs, leagues, FAs and all interested organisations to look out for and support each other. Through the campaign channels, we are communicating tips on how to stay healthy and physically active while staying at home and informing society about the activities and initiatives taken by people, players, clubs, leagues and FAs from all around Europe.
Show that you are a ‘Supporter of Each Other’ by sharing how you are promoting cultural diversity using the hashtags#SupporterofEachOther/##WDCDDD. Be sure to tag Supporter of Each Other, EFDN and your team so, we can promote the power of culture and dialogue.
We will share your content on EFDN/ Supporter of Each Other media accounts:
- Twitter: @EFDN_tweets / @supporterofeach
- Instagram: @efdnfoundation / @supporterofeachother
- Facebook: European Football for Development Network / Supporter of Each Other
More than 90 clubs, leagues, FAs and organisations have already become Supporters. To learn more about how to become a Supporter of Each Other, you can visit this page.
