It serves as a unique moment to raise awareness about the vital role museums play in cultural exchange, the enrichment of cultures, and the development of mutual understanding, cooperation, and peace among people. Celebrated on May 18th or around this date, International Museum Day (IMD) encompasses a wide range of events and activities that can last a day, a weekend, or even an entire week. Over the past four decades, IMD has witnessed an increasing number of museums from around the world participating in this global celebration. Last year alone, more than 37,000 museums across approximately 158 countries and territories actively engaged in the event.
This year, World Museum Day 2023 focuses on the theme of "Museums, Sustainability, and Wellbeing." Museums hold immense potential as key contributors to the wellbeing and sustainable development of our communities. They are trusted institutions that form essential threads in our shared social fabric, uniquely positioned to instigate positive change. Museums can make valuable contributions to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by supporting climate action, fostering inclusivity, combating social isolation, and promoting mental health.
Since 2020, International Museum Day has been aligned with specific Sustainable Development Goals each year. For World Museum Day 2023, the focus is on three goals: Global Health and Wellbeing (Goal 3), Climate Action (Goal 13), and Life on Land (Goal 15). These goals emphasize the importance of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, addressing climate change and its consequences, and protecting terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity.
On May 18th, World Museum Day encourages all members of civil society to come together and recognize the transformative potential that museums hold for sustainable development and overall wellbeing. It is a call to unite and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by museums in shaping our societies and creating a better world for future generations.
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