On the occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development—proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 and rooted in the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity adopted by UNESCO in 2001, which designated 21 May as an annual observance to highlight "the need to enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence worldwide"—the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (Social Affairs Sector – Department of Culture and Dialogue of Civilizations) is organising a high-level meeting to monitor progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as it pertains to the cultural sector.
The meeting is placing particular emphasis on the following goals:
Goal 4.7, which advocates for the promotion of culture and a culture of peace and non-violence in educational systems;
Goal 11.4, which calls for intensified efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage;
Target 6.17, which encourages the enhancement of regional and international cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, the facilitation of access thereto, and the promotion of knowledge-sharing under mutually agreed terms. This also includes strengthening coordination among existing mechanisms—particularly within the United Nations framework—and through the Global Technology Facilitation Mechanism.
The meeting is seeing the participation of representatives from member states as well as relevant Arab, regional, and international organisations. The annual observance of 21 May not only celebrates the richness of global cultural diversity but also reaffirms the pivotal role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and achieving sustainable development.
With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda in September 2015, the significance of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development has grown ever more urgent. The achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is most effectively pursued by harnessing the creative power of the world's diverse cultures and by promoting inclusive dialogue to ensure that all sectors of society equitably benefit from the fruits of sustainable progress.
It is also worth noting that, on the sidelines of the meeting, an exhibition is being organised to introduce attendees to the cultural richness of selected non-Arab countries, including Japan, China, India, and nations from the African continent. The exhibition features various cultural elements such as traditional cuisines, jewellery, publications, fashion, tangible heritage, visual arts, and other manifestations of cultural expression, offering an immersive experience into the diversity of these civilisations.
