The United Nations (UN)’s World Poetry Day is annually observed across the globe on 21 March to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression across cultures and languages.
- The Day aims to renew the art of poetry and promote the practice of reading, writing, publishing, and teaching poetry.
21 March 2024 marks the 25th Edition of World Poetry Day.
Theme:
The 2024 theme of World Poetry Day is, “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants”.
- The theme aims to recall the iconic poets of the past.
Background:
i.In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) first adopted 21 March as World Poetry Day during its 30th General Conference in Paris, France.
- The adoption was to recognise the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of human minds, promote cultural diversity, and encourage dialogue and peace.
ii.The 1st ever World Poetry Day was observed on 21 March 2000.
Significance:
i.World Poetry Day encourages a revival of the oral tradition of poetry recitals and seeks to foster a symbiotic relationship between poetry and other art forms such as theatre, dance, music, and painting.
ii.The Day increases the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard on both local and global platforms, while also increasing the visibility of poetry in media.
iii.World Poetry Day is the occasion to honour poets and also aims to support small publishers.
Poetry:
i.The word “poetry” comes from the Greek word poiein meaning “to make, to create”.
ii.Poetry is a type of literature that uses language in a concentrated, lyrical arrangement of words to convey a thought, describe a scene, or tell a story.
iii.Poetry, a timeless art, transcends boundaries and cultures, unites people worldwide, and is often accompanied by music and performed during special occasions.
Types: Haiku, Sonnet, Free verse, Sonnet, etc.
iv.Poetry, with its diverse forms of languages, expressions, and meanings, resonates universally, as evidenced by its inclusion in UNESCO’s Lists of the 2003 Convention.
2024 Events:
The 25th Edition of World Poetry Day was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
- Several activities, public lectures, and book fairs were organised in the Caribbean; Africa; Asia; Middle East; North America; Europe, and Pacific regions.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO):
Director-General – Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Founded in– 1945
