May 21 each year marks the commemoration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, since the unanimous adoption of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity on November 2, 2001 at UNESCO . This diversity is embodied in the originality and plurality of group identities but also in the innovation and creativity which constitute the driving forces of the cultural and creative industries.
This day of May 21 therefore constitutes a solemn moment and an opportunity for the Regional Center for Performing Arts in Africa (CERAV/Africa) as well as all cultural stakeholders and partners to deepen our reflections on the values of cultural diversity, something which will improve our “living together”.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of world cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for peace and sustainable development. Taking cultural diversity into account in our context There remains a current need to "strengthen the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global coexistence in peace." This is why UNESCO is calling on Member States and civil society to celebrate this day by involving as many stakeholders and partners as possible.
The Regional Center for Performing Arts in Africa (CERAV/Africa), UNESCO Category 2 Center, instrument of cooperation and exchange whose general objective is to support the implementation of the 2005 Convention in Africa on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions, to support the development and implementation of policies and measures promoting the diversity of cultural expressions and to facilitate the exchange of information and the sharing of good practices cannot remain on the sidelines of such a day.
It is obvious that the cultural sector of many African countries is bearing the brunt of the consequences of security, economic and even social crises which are a serious blow to social cohesion and peace, consequently leading to a deterioration of the values of cultural diversity. In view of this situation, it should be noted that to face the various crises and be able to recover, culture is our best ally. It nourishes everyone’s intimacy. It allows us to unite, to remember and to project ourselves; to finally understand that our differences are an opportunity to celebrate the human spirit, to open our horizons and to achieve our unity in diversity as stated by the Director-General of UNESCO.
This is the place for me to salute the efforts of the authorities and cultural actors at various levels at the national and African level who have demonstrated resilience and who have allowed cultural diversity to continue to express itself through various forms and through various major events for the benefit of the development of our countries.
As an instrument promoting dialogue, reconciliation and resilience, I would like to emphasize that cultural diversity must be vigorously defended in these difficult times that certain States are going through. Indeed, this event is being celebrated in a context where several African countries are in the process of developing their Quadrennial Periodic Reports (QPR) which they must submit no later than June 30, 2024. CERAV/Africa would like to encourage them in this initiative which meets the commitments to UNESCO and also demonstrates its availability to support them, as part of its mission to monitor the implementation of the 2005 Convention, through its technical assistance guide to African States to the development of their RPQ.
CERAV/Africa will always work with all African states, cultural civil society organizations, and the private sector to find appropriate solutions to the challenges facing the sector. To this end, he invites African States and partners to take ownership of the Center for collaborations for the benefit of the African cultural sector.
On this occasion, I urge stakeholders in the world of culture to join me in celebrating cultural diversity for dialogue and development.
Long live cultural diversity!
Happy celebration to all!
Thank you !
Wendlasida Herman POUYA
General Delegate of CERAV/Africa
