"Diversity" has become one of the most often used words of our time and a

word almost never defined. Diversity is invoked in discussions of everything from

employment policy to curriculum reform and from entertainment to politics.
The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means
understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual
differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political
beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe,
positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and
moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions
of diversity contained within each individual.
Nowadays in the epoch of the globalization, the world community
acknowledges the necessary of safeguarding cultural diversity, and assumes the task
of rescuing national culture's tangible and intangible heritage. But in addition to this,
it's necessary to pay attention to the issue of preservation the degree of freedom,
dignity and responsibility of the human being that allows him to be not only the
consumer and keeper of the cultural heritage, but also and above all - its creator.
In 2001 the UNESCO Universal declaration on Cultural Diversity was
adopted, which for the first time admitted the cultural diversity as a common human
heritage. The declaration represents the first international standard-setting
instrument aimed at preserving and promoting cultural diversity and intercultural
dialogue. The cultural diversity is really becoming one of the most important factors
of the development.
The cultural pluralism, inseparably linked with the democracy creates a
favorable environment for cultural exchanges and prosperity of creative abilities
nourishing the society's stamina.
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 recognized and affirmed for the benefit of
present and future generations.
The safeguarding of cultural diversity is today an ethical imperative based on
the respect for human dignity, on the obligation to respect human rights and
fundamental liberties, especially minorities' and indigenous people's rights.
The aspiration of the people and communities with pluralistic and dynamic
originality for coexistence and harmonic interaction is based on the moral and
intellectual solidarity. UNESCO stresses the importance of human energy, creativity
and aspiration for solidarity. These concepts are rooted in the history, language and
traditions and assist people in becoming full of the process of creating their cultural
future.
The pledge of cultural diversity is freedom of expression, pluralism of the
mass media, multilinguist, equal access to opportunities for arts, scientific-technic
knowledge, including the digital form, and ensuring a cultural access to facilities
expression and dissemination of ideas.