2. What is Cultural Diversity? Reading #1

2. What is Cultural Diversity? Reading #1

What is Cultural Diversity?

Cultural Diversity is a fact The World has some 6000 communities and as many distinct languages. Such difference naturally leads to diversity of vision, values, beliefs, practice and expression, which all deserve equal respect and dignity. Cultural Diversity is our everyday reality The international migration rate is growing fast every year. According to the “International Migration Report 2002” of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the number of migrants has doubled since the 1970s. The report also says that around 175 million persons are residing away from the country of their birth and one in every 10 persons in the developed regions is a migrant. Also, more migrants are coming from countries ever farther away. While the reasons for migration vary (economic, political, personal choice …) , one thing is sure: we live in an increasingly heterogeneous society. Cultural Diversity reflects the respect of fundamental rights Culture is a set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group. It encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, values systems, traditions and beliefs. Respecting and safeguarding culture is a matter of Human Rights. Cultural Diversity presupposes respect of fundamental freedoms, namely freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom to participate in the cultural life of one's choice. Cultural Diversity is our collective strength The Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development (September 2002) acknowledges that our rich diversity, which is our collective strength, should be used to ensure sustainable development (par. 16). Cultural Diversity, indeed, is not just a natural fact that we need simply recognize and respect. It is about plurality of knowledge, wisdom and energy which all contribute to improving and moving the World forward.