The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)‘s World Philosophy Day is celebrated annually across the world on the 3rd Thursday of November to promote the international culture of a healthy, philosophical debate that respects people’s dignity and diversity.
- The 2021 World Philosophy Day falls on 18th November 2021.
- Theme for 2021 – “Different interactions of human beings with their social, cultural, geographical and political environment”
Objective – To boost people’s commitment to philosophy, raise awareness about the importance of philosophical analysis, research, and studies on major contemporary issues
Note – World Philosophy Day 2020 was celebrated on 19th November 2020.
World Philosophy Day 2022 will be celebrated on 17th November 2022.
Background
i.UNESCO observed World Philosophy Day for the first time in 2002.
ii.UNESCO General Assembly declared the annual celebration of World Philosophy Day on every 3rd Thursday of November in 2005.
Significance:
i.The International Day encourages participation in global challenges of academic exchanges and in the role of philosophy and Ensures the application of the philosophical values and principles for world peace.
ii.The discipline of philosophy encourages intercultural dialogue, tolerance and respect towards the society that creates a healthy environment for thinking and voicing out opinions to bring changes in the society.
iii.The core idea is to facilitate the interaction between various cultures that leads to positive transformation in society.
Events:
i.18 November 2021 – The Dhillon Marty Foundation launches the “1st Roppongi Dialogues”, in partnership with UNESCO MOST Programme, a panel discussion on philosophy to be held each 3rd Thursday of the month in Tokyo.
ii.19 November 2021 – Thinking Planet: from ego to eco is inviting participants to look for inspiration within themselves apart from non-western traditions of thought at Nemo Museum, Amsterdam.
About UNESCO:
Director General – Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters – Paris, France