International Day for Biological Diversity 22 May

Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human wellbeing in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. According to reports released in 2018 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the main global drivers of biodiversity loss are climate change, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and urbanization.

To halt or reverse this decline it is vital to transform people’s roles, actions and relationships with biodiversity. Many solutions exist: UNESCO’s diverse networks, programmes and partners have observed positive and inspiring seeds of change around the world. UNESCO also accompanies Member States and their people in their efforts to halt biodiversity loss by understanding, appreciating, safeguarding and using biodiversity sustainably.

UNESCO is providing all its expertise on natural heritage protection to combat global warming.

It’s time to act for biodiversity! The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity(IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

The theme of the 2020 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Our Solutions are in Nature”

"The theme for the day shows that Biodiversity remains the answer to a number of sustainable development challenges that we all face. From nature-based solutions to climate, to food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity remains the basis for a sustainable future." (CBD, 2020)

Message

"Biodiversity is a common good, an invaluable legacy formed over the course of millions of years, and capital to transmit to future generations. [...]This International Day aims to raise awareness of these issues that are crucial to our lives today and in the future. On this Day, a beautiful American Indian proverb is particularly fitting: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”"

—  Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity

More information click here.

Source : https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/biodiversityday

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development 21 May

Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. The United Nations General Assembly first declared this World Day in 2002, following UNESCO’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, recognizing the need to “enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence.” 

With the adoption in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations, and the Resolution A/C.2/70/L.59 on Culture and Sustainable Development adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2015 , the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is more important than ever. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals can best be achieved by drawing upon the creative potential of the world’s diverse cultures, and engaging in continuous dialogue to ensure that all members of society benefit from sustainable development. 

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is an occasion to promote culture and highlight the significance of its diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change. It represents an opportunity to celebrate culture’s manifold forms, from the tangible and intangible, to creative industries, to the diversity of cultural expressions, and to reflect on how these contribute to dialogue, mutual understanding, and the social, environmental and economic vectors of sustainable development.

For more Information click here.

Source : https://en.unesco.org/commemoration/culturaldiversityday