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A message from Irina Bokova,Director-General of UNESCO, on the International Day of Nowruz 21 March 2015

 

Nowruz is celebration of diversity, dialogue and solidarity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nowruz marks the New Year and the arrival of spring across many countries of Western, Central and Southern Asia, the Caucasus, the Balkans and other regions. This age-old celebration of diversity, dialogue and solidarity brings together peoples of many different cultures, religions and languages, joining families and communities together.

Celebrated across so many borders, Nowruz has given rise to a rich horizon of customs, rituals and festivities that are often associated with nature and fertility. The songs, dances, festive meals and other social practices that form an integral part of Nowruz provide vivid demonstration of the creative diversity that UNESCO seeks to promote in all of its work. In 2009, Nowruz was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity -- one year later, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution recognizing 21 March as the International Day of Nowruz

The fundamental values of Nowruz are those of peace and solidarity, reconciliation and good-neighbourliness. This is a celebration of diversity on the basis of tolerance and harmony with nature, promoted and carried from generation to generation, within and between communities. These messages are especially important today, in this turning point year for the Millennium Development Goals and as States shape a new global sustainable development agenda. The intangible cultural heritage of humanity is a wellspring of confidence and belonging – it is a source of strength and creativity for the benefit of all.

 

 

 

In these uncertain and turbulent times, let us all embrace the values of Nowruz and carry forward its message of peace, harmony, tolerance and reconciliation.

 

 

Happy Nowruz!

 

Irina Bokova 

 

 

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