“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
On May 21 of each year, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (World Day) is celebrated by vast cultures all over the world, along with the role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. World Day was first declared in 2002 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the declaration, with full understanding of the need for cultural diversity, development of prosperity among all, and global peace. In September 2015, the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations even more deeply set the stage for cultural diversity in the world. There are 17 Sustainable Development Goals within the resolution that can 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.”
MRO recognized this day and celebrated by hosting an international potluck on June 8 where each employee brought an item representing their family, culture, or ethnicity. The purpose of the potluck was to share
and celebrate the different backgrounds and traditions that make us each unique. In addition to enjoying the
opportunity to connect and spend time together, recipes and the reasons behind the food were compiled and
shared.
Celebrating World Day and understanding the objectives of the United Nations in declaring this cultural event is important because embracing other cultures helps bridge the gaps that exist among us and lead to a more intelligent, moral, and impactful lifestyle.
What can you do to observe and take part in World Day?
- Watch a documentary on an international event
- Try cooking a recipe from another country
- Volunteer with a diversity, equity, and inclusion organization
- Take part in a new sport from a different culture
- Visit an art museum dedicated to another culture
- Watch an international film
Together, our future is bright!
– Holly Haynes, Senior CIP Compliance Auditor
Photos from MRO’s first International Potluck