On December 27, 2024, Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 883/2024 established the "Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity", which is celebrated annually on May 21.
In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, and in December 2002, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 21 as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development in its resolution 57/249.
Ukraine has always been and remains a multinational country, where each nation makes its own unique contribution to its culture, development and defense of independence. It is home to more than 130 national communities, including Ukrainians as the main indigenous people, and numerous national minorities.
Ukraine is a place where different ethnic groups, languages, traditions and religions coexist with mutual respect. However, the invasion of the Russian Federation has threatened this diversity. The occupiers are not only sowing terror among the Ukrainian population, but are also pursuing a policy of cultural destruction aimed at depriving the Ukrainian people of their identity and cultural roots.
The Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity is about people restoring the memory of their ethnic origins and at the same time realizing the commonality of all nations in the mainstream of a single political nation.
The Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity is about the desire of Ukrainians to be together, to be together despite different ethnic origins, and to defend and restore their country together.
The holiday demonstrates respect for the contribution of national communities to the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence, especially during the armed struggle against the aggressor state.
This day is also a symbol of resistance to the depersonalization brought by a frenzied empire. In Ukraine, there are many people who were deprived of their ethnic roots in the past because there were times when it was dangerous to be Polish, German, Jewish, or a member of another nationality.
UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity is a great tool for dialogue and development. Each of us should strive to make the plurality of cultures, through the establishment of a dialogue between them, our common wealth. Only in this way will we be able to avoid tragic conflicts and achieve sustainable development, which is guaranteed by the sustainability of cultural diversity and the continuation of constructive and vigilant dialogue.
May 21 is a reminder of the importance of tolerance, mutual respect and joint efforts in building a peaceful society.