International year for the rapprochement of cultures

The different nations of the world have been experiencing an unharmonious relation towards other cultures because there has not been a unifying element that has brought people around the world together. The international year for the rapprochement of cultures is a catalyst driver that aims to bring people of all cultures together and also aims to enhance the tolerance of cultures that do no live in harmony because of the past occurrences such as xenophobia.

According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), The United Nations general assembly has proclaimed 2010 International year for the rapprochement of cultures and designated UNESCO to play a leading role in the celebration of the year, capitalizing on the organisation invaluable experience of over 60 years to advance “the mutual knowledge and understanding of people.

The guiding principle UNESCO action reaffirmed during consultations of Member States and partner organisations with a view of drafting a plan of action. Four major themes appear to have been identified:

• Promoting reciprocal knowledge of cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity;
• Building a framework for commonly shared values;
• Strengthening quality education and building of intercultural competences and
• Fostering dialogue for sustainable development.”

In order for this vision to be attained of creating a harmonies culture, it was imperative to have a body that will ensure this goal is well achieved, so that we move away from separate cultures to “one global culture” that embraces other cultures.

”The main goal of the year will be to demonstrate the benefits of cultural diversity by acknowledging the importance of the constant transfers and exchanges between cultures and the ties forged between them since the dawn of humanity. As cultures encompass not only the arts and humanities but also lifestyles, different ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs ,the protection and promotion of their rich diversity invites us to rise to new challenges at the local, national, regional and international levels. This will involve integrating the principles of dialogue and mutual knowledge in all policies, particularly education, science, culture and communication policies, in the hope of correcting flawed cultural representations, values and stereotypes.”(www.unesco.org)

In South Africa, the 2010 FIFA World cup played a significant role in bringing together different cultures from around the world, as hundreds of thousands visited our country to attend world cup matches. This resulted in cultural fusion and a better understanding for some visitors and locals of other peoples’ origins and their way of life. The foundation has been laid to a better understanding of people and what we hope to be the true unity of a proud nation.

Source: www.unesco.org