 |
| World Cultural Day Celebrated at ICMEI On Line |
New
Delhi: “Cultural events cancelled, cultural institutions closed, community
cultural practices suspended, empty UNESCO World Heritage sites, heightened
risk of looting of cultural sites and poaching at natural sites, artists unable
to make ends meet and the cultural tourism sector greatly affected. The impact
of COVID-19 on the cultural sector is being felt around the world,” said Dr.
Sandeep Marwah president of Marwah Studios and Patron to IFUNA- Indian
Federation of United Nations Associations in a meeting with cultural heads of
different schools on line.
“This
impact 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,” Dr. Marwah added also known
as Global Cultural Minister.
During
this time of mass confinement, billions of people are turning to culture as a
source of comfort, well-being and connection. There has been a surge in the
creation of, and access to, cultural content online - from virtual visits to
museums and galleries, streaming of films and even community choirs via social
media - showing its fundamental role as a source of resilience for communities.
Major crises throughout history have often given rise to a renaissance of
culture and an explosion of new forms of creativity, so vital for human
progress.
Three-quarters of the
world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension. Bridging the gap between
cultures is urgent and necessary for 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. This is captured in the culture conventions, which provide a
solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus
an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of
sustainable development,” expressed Dr. Sandeep Marwah forcefully.The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Support sustainable systems of governance for culture, Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase mobility of artists and cultural professionals, Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks, Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms
