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Today is World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Since December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly recognizes May 21st as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. Originally created as a result of the destruction of Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan in 2001, this holiday is meant to celebrate cultural richness and the importance of intercultural dialogue to promote peace, understanding, and inclusion. This day also recognizes how culture is vital to sustainable development and positive change.

Here are a few suggestions on what you can do to celebrate:

• Explore music, movies, or food from another culture
• Visit an art exhibit or museum highlighting other cultures
• Exchange views with someone from another culture to help you understand more about cultural stereotypes or your own unconscious biases

To learn more about this holiday, visit: https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

The Day's commemoration began with an intercultural dialog, interreligious dialog, and culture and development. You can learn more here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day/background.