World Festival of Cultural Diversity 2023

Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. 

The United Nations General Assembly first declared this World Day in 2002, following UNESCO’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, recognising the need to “enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence.”

Here at ASEF culture360 we believe in the power of cultural diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change. There are so many projects, opportunities and events we could highlight on this important day, but one that stood out for us this year is the World Festival of Cultural Diversity.

The festival is a global, synchronised celebration of cultural diversity supported by UNESCO. It is a year-round programme of events and activities leading up to the UN World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May.

The festival is created and coordinated by the Khalili Foundation to spotlight efforts around the world to preserve and promote cultural diversity, especially through the cultural sector. Cultural and educational institutions from around the world will participate.

Some highlights include: 

• A great online resource of stories of cultural diversity from Europeana
• Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters showcase of 5 First Nations songlines from Australia’s Western and Central Deserts, 4 April – 2 July 2023 at Musée Du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Paris
• Designing for Diversity Aspen UK webinar series, including one session on the arts
• Diversification of cultural content on wikipedia
• Indonesia's Koalisi Seni artistic freedom campaign

World Festival of Cultural Diversity programme of in-person and online events.