One Diverse World

UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity recognizes cultural diversity as a living and renewable treasure that is “as necessary to humankind as biodiversity is for nature”.  Cultural diversity is the foundation of an open, creative and democratic world – a world of “a thousand colors”.

The new UNESCO-Khalili Foundation film under this title aims to humanize the notion of cultural diversity. Why is cultural diversity important? What are some of the current challenges that undermine it? And what can we do to protect and promote cultural diversity? These are some of the questions addressed by the short film, which gathers testimonies from a number of key global actors including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors and advocates.

The film highlights the work and impact of UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Since 2010, the IFCD has brought to life more than 140 cultural and creative projects, enabling artists of all kinds to keep on creating.  

17h    Gala reception with world food in celebration of the World Festival of Cultural Diversity to be held in the Japanese Garden.

Featuring a musical performance by Sibusile Xaba (South Africa) and live drawing by Phaidra McQueen (Haiti). Both artists were involved in projects funded by the UNESCO International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD).

18h   Premiere of ‘A Thousand Colours’, a short film by the Khalili Foundation in association with UNESCO in Room II.

Followed by a Roundtable discussion: Cultural diversity at the crossroads moderated by Hortense Assaga, Reporter and Author.

With Waqas Ahmed, Executive Director of the Khalili Foundation · Augustin Allenby, Executive Director of Le Centre d’Art, Haiti (IFCD funded project) · Violet Maila, Project Manager Music in Africa Foundation, South Africa (IFCD funded project) · Prof. Andy Pratt, Creative Economy Expert · Yarri Kamara, Cultural Policy Researcher and Writer · Anupama Sekhar, International Cultural Relations Expert

For more information about this event, please contact: Annabel Turner