UNITED NATIONS -- The UN cultural agency Thursday termed cultural diversity as "the greatest opportunity before humanity" and warned against attacks of heritages by extremists.
"Cultural diversity is our shared heritage and the greatest opportunity before humanity. It holds the promise of renewal and dynamism, and an engine of innovation and development," said Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in a statement marking the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
She noted that cultural diversity is under attack by violent extremists who lay waste to the heritage and persecute minorities. "These crimes confirm still further our conviction that the enemies of human dignity will always seek to destroy cultural diversity, because it is the symbol of free thought and the infinite creativity of the human being," said she.
In a press release on Wednesday, Bokova called on all warring parties in Syria to immediately end hostilities within the archaeological site of Palmyra, following reports that extremist groups had breached the ancient city's perimeter. "I am deeply concerned by the situation at the site of Palmyra. The fighting is putting at risk one of the most significant sites in the Middle East and its civilian population," she said in the release.
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 2002 was celebrated annually on May 21. The day provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better.
This year, the UN lists on its website "ten simple things you can do to celebrate the World Day", including visiting a museum, inviting a family in the neighborhood for dinner, or renting a movie of another country or religion.
