BY ALAZAR SHIFERAW
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 says United Nations.
Besides, Nations Nationalities’ day provides a springboard for the promotion of cultural diversity and thus cultural diversity is an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and achievement of sustainable development. Acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity widen our cultural perspectives, respect and mutual understanding.
Ethiopian people composed of over 80 different ethnic groups are highly diverse. Subsequently, these groups speak different languages, mainly of the Cushitic and Semitic off shoots. Yes, their cultures have also features such as initiations, traditions, histories, values and principles, purposes, symbols and boundaries.
Nonetheless, with in such diversities, they have been living in unity; pass the goods and odds together. But most Ethiopians are not acquainted with one another’s cultures. That is why the country started the celebration of Nation, Nationalities day .
Above all , the Ethiopian Constitution on Article 39 sub -article 2 stipulates that every nation, nationality and people in Ethiopia has the right to speak, write and develop its own language; express, develop and promote its culture and preserve its history.
Aside from promotional significance, the day is also key to parry foreign cultural invasions and keep naïve cultures intact.
Moreover, UNSECO under its “Diversity of Cultural Expression,” edition indicates that the rights and equality of the Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and Peoples is fully guaranteed under the country’s Constitution.
Also, the House of Federation decided to mark every 8th December the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day to promote cultures, lifestyles and other values and to strengthen citizens’ ties.
The day is designed to contribute to the effort of creating one political and economic community in the country and to celebrate it across the country. It has become an event to boost tourism and investment in the host state as well, it said.
The Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day sustain the necessity of respect for the fundamental rights of individuals and of the Nations and Nationalities of the country as well as the development of the country’s various cultures and religions.
Moreover, the day provides a vital and important demonstration of the strong commitment and respect of its peoples for all the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia and of their individual cultures, territories and modes of life. It also underlines the fact that Ethiopia has been and still is the common home for all Ethiopians, it said.
The country’s intangible heritages are inspirations for modern and creative performances promoting the diversity of cultural expression. Every year, thousands of people representing all the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia celebrate the day.
However, for the past decades, the equality of cultures was simply a narrative and it was nominal .Then, this year , though Coronavirus pandemic casted a shadow on the festivity, the day was marked with a limited number of participants in towns and city administrations.
The 15th Nations, Nationalities day was commemorated colorfully at Hawassa, as it is the center of over 45 Nations and Nationalities, Hawassa marked the day remarkably. SNNPS Speaker Lema Guzume said that although previous ceremonies were celebrated with some limitations, this year’s anniversary was marked with a sense of equality. Various events were held; a wide range of discussions and traditional festivities were accompanied by cultural dances.
In the capital, a wrapping up ceremony was carried out. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen said that prejudiced attitudes should be done away with . During the event reminding the defense force’s heroic scarification, he applauded the historical victory.
Taking best practices , citizens have to stand for the equal respect of cultures. the country has eliminated discriminatory acts against Nations and Nationalities . Now things are on the right track. By hastening the country’s reform process, citizens need to join hands to create a national unity.
House of Federation Adem farah said that previously , the country could not treat diverse cultures equally. Rather it was busy in creating differences. As there was not a democratic system and strong institutions, inequality has been evident among nations and nationalities.
An effective federal system and a democratization process has become important and imperative. Creating political and economic integrations is by far very decisive, he added.
UNESCO has adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity and the UN General Assembly, in its resolution 57/249, declared May 21 to be the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and in 2015, the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development A/C.2/70/L.59, affirming culture’s contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable development, acknowledging further the natural and cultural diversity of the world, and recognizing that cultures and civilizations can contribute to and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development.
The day affords the world an opportunity to deepen understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005: 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.
The Ethiopian herald December 23/2020
