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World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

21st of May has been celebrated as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development since 2001. On this occasion, we join UNESCO to celebrate one of the most invaluable aspects of human life, that is, human cultural diversity, and the invaluable intellectual, social, cultural, and economic opportunities of development that it offers to humanity. 
 
Through the ongoing process of globalization, the world's people have become increasingly interconnected with each other. Technological advancements have made it possible for world cultures to interact with each other more than ever before and they can do that in increasingly more cooperative and constructive ways. Increased opportunities for intercultural interaction and dialogue make it possible for cultures to learn from each other and challenge each other to be more tolerant, flexible, creative, and open to development.
 
Today, many societies are more diverse than ever, making it indispensable for them to recognize and use the vast opportunities cooperative intercultural interaction and dialogue can offer. Conflicts arise in societies with low levels of intercultural dialogue. Therefore, the main focus of policymaking must be creating an inclusive society for all groups, constructing, advancing, and safeguarding opportunities for harmonious intercultural dialogue, and encouraging all groups to partake in this dialogue actively. Societies must embrace their ethnic and cultural diversity and let their present and future populations benefit from cultural diversity that UNESCO defines as 'the common heritage of humanity'.  At every level of society, it must be recognized that the plurality of cultures and identities allows everyone to learn and grow and have a more satisfactory intellectual and social life.
 
Most importantly, harmonious interaction and dialogue between cultures must be recognized as the best guarantee for lasting international peace and security so needed in contemporary times. Viewed from this perspective, the issue is indispensable for Cyprus, an island that, despite the unique opportunities its history of cultural diversity could offer, has been marred by intercommunal strife. Our island can benefit enormously from positive interaction and dialogue between groups to develop the mutual respect and understanding necessary to envision a future of peaceful cooperation and reconciliation.
 
As Eastern Mediterranean University Urban Research and Development Center (EMU URDC) executive board members, we want to underline that solidarity between cultures is vital for intellectual and societal development. We perceive Eastern Mediterranean University as one of the leading actors in fostering harmonious intercultural interaction and dialogue. We are committed to preserving and further advancing the opportunities for this dialogue by supporting the intellectual and social environment which enables our students and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds to be included in these processes. We believe our university's great power comes from its being an inclusive and safe space for diverse cultures, identities, beliefs, and convictions. In the end, mutual recognition, respect, and tolerance for our differences strengthen us.