Login
Today marks World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a United Nations-sanctioned international holiday. Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development raises awareness of the wealth of world cultures, the opportunities that cultural diversity brings and the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.
Cultural Diversity: Driving Force of Development
According to the United Nation’s website, about 75 percent of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension, and bridging the gap between cultures is critical for attaining peace, stability and development. “Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life,” states the United Nations webpage for the holiday. “This is captured in the culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity.”
The Impact of COVID-19
The current global pandemic has changed the ways in which different cultures celebrate their cherished customs and traditions, especially those who spend them apart from loved ones. However, the COVID-19 outbreak reminds us why protecting cultural expressions is more important than ever. This impact of the current pandemic is social, economic and political: “it affects the fundamental right of access to culture, the social rights of artists and creative professionals, and the protection of a diversity of cultural expressions.”
As the United Nations states, “the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and magnified the creative industries’ pre-existing volatility. Due to the complex nature of their work, cultural professionals are particularly affected and lockdown measures around the world directly impact the entire creative value chain.” To help individuals, communities and organizations keep track of these changes, the UN has created a Culture & COVID-19: Impact and Response Tracker.
NAWRB’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
NAWRB has its roots in promoting diversity and inclusion (D&I) throughout all industries that touch land, the real estate ecosystem. NAWRB’s Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council is dedicated to raising the number of women leaders and growing women’s employment and empowerment at all levels in the housing ecosystem. Our Council, comprised of senior executive women, works diligently toward gender equality and obtaining equal opportunity for women across America.
The 2019 NAWRB Women Housing Ecosystem Report highlights the latest trends and developments for D&I in the workplace. Stay tuned for the newest updates in the upcoming 2020 NAWRB WHER!