The International Day for Tolerance 2026
The International Day for Tolerance 2026: Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide
Observed annually on November 16, the International Day for Tolerance was declared by UNESCO in 1995 to raise public awareness about the dangers of intolerance and to promote understanding and respect among diverse cultures and communities. The day encourages global dialogue and cooperation to foster tolerance, human rights, and peace.
Origins and Background
The International Day for Tolerance was established by UNESCO to emphasize the value of tolerance as a fundamental principle for building peaceful and inclusive societies. It was created to counter intolerance, discrimination, and violence by promoting mutual understanding and respect across cultures, religions, and nationalities.
Annual Events and Activities
Each year, the day is marked with various events, such as conferences, festivals, and educational programs that encourage tolerance and dialogue. One example is the “Universal Tolerance Cartoon Festival” held in Drammen, Norway, which uses art as a medium to promote tolerance. In Bangladesh, the day is recognized with the Peace Summit organized by Preneur Lab and the EMK Center, discussing pressing issues like online safety, fake news, and the importance of peace.
UNESCO also awards the biennial UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence, honoring individuals or institutions contributing to the advancement of tolerance and non violence worldwide.
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
The International Day for Tolerance aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting the importance of tolerance in creating peaceful and inclusive societies:
SDG 4: Quality Education – Promoting inclusive and equitable education that fosters a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding among people.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Reducing inequality within and among countries by addressing issues of discrimination, exclusion, and promoting social inclusion for all.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Promoting peaceful, inclusive societies, ensuring equal access to justice, and building effective and accountable institutions.
Building a Culture of Tolerance and Peace
The International Day for Tolerance encourages global communities to reflect on how tolerance can lead to a more peaceful and equitable world. By fostering open dialogue, cultural respect, and education, the day aims to counter intolerance and promote understanding among diverse groups.
How to Participate in the International Day for Tolerance 2026
On November 16, 2026, everyone is encouraged to take part in activities that promote tolerance and respect. Whether through educational events, cultural performances, discussions, or social media campaigns, the day provides an opportunity to promote peace, respect, and cultural acceptance.
International Day for Tolerance Themes (2019–2025)
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | The UAE’s Year of Tolerance | Focused on fostering societies based on human rights, dialogue, inclusion, and mutual respect. The UAE used the year to highlight its efforts to promote tolerance across cultures and faiths. |
| 2020 | Racism. No Way! | Centered on combatting racism, with a broader message that tolerance requires active societal investment in education, inclusion, and human rights, in line with UNESCO’s principles. |
| 2021 | Racism. No Way! | Continued emphasis on fighting racism through education, social investment, and human rights, while encouraging states to actively promote tolerance through national policy and cultural programs. |
| 2022 | United Human Values and Sustainable Development for All | Promoted by the Peacemakers Network, the theme advocated for global harmony, sustainable development, and awareness against intolerance through values-based education and inclusion. |
| 2023 | Respect, Acceptance, and Appreciation | While not tied to an official theme, the day promoted tolerance as a universal principle rooted in respect for diversity, with campaigns focused on inclusion, countering discrimination, and human dignity. |
| 2024 | Fostering Social Cohesion and Human Rights | Focused on promoting mutual understanding, addressing rising extremism, and encouraging governments and communities to act on tolerance through dialogue, education, and rights-based approaches. |
| 2025 | Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide | Encourages global unity by fostering tolerance across cultures and communities, aligning with the day's goal to strengthen social cohesion and eliminate hate and division through education and empathy. |
