What is Cultural Diversity?

When we speak about Cultural Diversity, what do we think of it? What comes to mind? What doesn't it include?

Culture, Religion, Ethnicity, Language, Nationality, Sexual Orientation, Class, Gender, Age, Disability, Dialogue, Tolerance, Interaction, Equality, Difference, Racism, Intolerance, Discrimination, Prejudice, Xenophobia, and even more things.

Do these factors actually stand alone or do they interplay with each other? What does Cultural Diversity mean for each individual and for each group?

Susie Green - SALTO Cultural Diversity Resource Centre

• 'Working in the SALTO Cultural Diversity Resource Centre for the Youth in Action programme, people always ask me 'What is Cultural Diversity?'. My response is this: by its very nature, it is a diverse and varying thing, affected by geography, history, politics, regulations, attitudes, migration... and the list goes on. The reality is that we live in a very diverse Europe.'

Dr. Dina Kiwan - Council of Europe and European Commission research seminar, Strasbourg, May 2006

• 'Many people speak about the contested nature of this term and that diversity is not merely descriptor of status quo but it must be operationalised. Social justice, equality, recognition, and accounting for power relations and historic context must be taken into account when dealing with diversity. Diversity emphasises the multiplicity and fluidity of identities. It could be questioned what relationship it has to the concepts of empowerment, representation, democracy, shared values, unity.'

UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (Article 1)

• 'Culture takes diverse forms across time and space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities of the groups and societies making up mankind. As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognised and affirmed for the benefit of present and future generations.'

Marina Kalligianni - Trainee 2006 in SALTO Cultural Diversity

• 'Cultural Diversity has become one of the major issues of the international debate taking place among international and regional organisations since 1998. Such progressive affirmation of cultural diversity at international level is a contributing answer to growing concerns of civil society and governments regarding the preservation of cultural diversity (as a common heritage of humankind, in a similar manner to biodiversity) as well as the promotion of living cultures and creative capacity. In both dimensions, cultural diversity tends to integrate global strategies of sustainable development. Public authorities are increasingly sensitive to the need to develop intercultural dialogue, with a view to foster peace, security, and stability at global level.'

Let us know what Cultural Diversity means to you in the comments section below!