President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of national communities and indigenous peoples of Ukraine and announced the introduction of the Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity in Ukraine, which will be celebrated annually on May 21, UNN reports.
"I met with representatives of national communities and indigenous peoples of Ukraine. I am grateful to everyone for their unity in defending our state and our common independence in the war, at the front, where there are representatives of all our peoples - all communities of Ukraine. I am grateful for the internal peace in Ukraine that characterizes our country and helps us to survive at this time," Zelensky wrote.
During the meeting, the President announced the introduction of a new public holiday.
"Every year on May 21, there will be a Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity. This is not only your... I believe that this is important for the whole of Ukraine, but this is your day to emphasize that we in Ukraine have and will definitely preserve our ability to be together, together as independent Ukrainians," Zelensky said.
Addendum
President Zelenskyy decided to establish the Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity in Ukraine "in order to strengthen the unity and harmony of the Ukrainian people, to strengthen Ukrainian national and civic identity, to promote the free development of cultural diversity of indigenous peoples and national minorities (communities) of Ukraine, to show respect for their contribution to the defense of state sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, and to the armed struggle against the aggressor state" on May 21.
The corresponding decree No. 883/2024 was signed on December 27.
In August, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience conducted a survey on the need to introduce a new public holiday, the Day of Interethnic Harmony in Ukraine.
"The purpose of this holiday is to unite Ukrainian society, protect the rights of national minorities and indigenous peoples of Ukraine, and honor their contribution to the ethno-cultural wealth of our country," stated the DESS.
On May 21, the world celebrates an international holiday, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, which promotes cultural diversity.
Cultural Diversity Day is an opportunity to help communities understand the value of each culture and learn to live together in harmony. This holiday was created as a result of the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan in 2001.