UN official highlights risk of rising globalization to cultural diversity

Marking the first worldwide commemoration of cultural diversity, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) warned that globalization raised the risk of a dramatic reduction in the variety of civilizations around the world.

“Nearly everywhere, under the influence of rampant globalization, languages are falling into disuse, traditions are being forgotten and vulnerable cultures are being marginalized, if not wiped out,” Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura said in a statement to mark the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

This threat to plurality led the UN General Assembly last December to proclaim 21 May the World Day in a bid to raise public awareness of the wealth of cultural variety, in particular, through education and the media.

“The earth’s rainbow cannot be reduced to one or other of its colours without compromising the heritage of future generations and the survival of the human species,” Mr. Matsuura said, stressing the paramount importance of the occasion. “Under the UNESCO Constitution, it is our Organization’s duty to promote the fruitful diversity of cultures.”

Mr. Matsuura said UNESCO’s Member States undertook, in 2001, to recognize, defend and promote actively the benefits of cultural diversity locally, nationally and internationally by adopting the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, and the 20 main lines of an action plan for a new understanding of the relationship between diversity, dialogue and development.

The Declaration is an outstanding tool for dialogue and development, he stated, adding that it is only through cultural plurality that the world can avoid tragic rifts and achieve development sustainability.

Listen to UN Radio report