Throughout the month of May, the National Library of the Republic of Moldova (NLRM) marked the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, celebrated annually on 21 May, by organising a series of activities promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation of Moldova’s rich ethnic and cultural heritage.

One of the central events was the opening of the thematic exhibition “Cultural Diversity in the Republic of Moldova”, showcasing the country’s ethnic, linguistic, and traditional mosaic. The exhibition highlighted the unique contributions of ethno-cultural communities to Moldova’s spiritual and cultural heritage and brought together 120 valuable works from the library’s collections—focusing on ethnic heritage, traditions, intercultural dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.

Another special exhibition titled “Lucian Blaga – The Redeeming Poet of Words” invited visitors to explore the literary world of Lucian Blaga (1895–1961)—one of the most significant and original figures of Romanian interwar culture. Blaga was a philosopher, poet, playwright, translator, journalist, professor, academician, and diplomat whose work continues to resonate through generations.

On 22 May, Natalia Djandjgava, Country Manager of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, donated the book “Gagauzia – 30 Years of Autonomy” to the National Library and inaugurated a panel exhibition featuring five key personalities who significantly contributed to the development of Gagauz history, language, and culture. Visitors discovered panels detailing the lives and legacies of:

• Mihail Ciakir – priest and writer, founder of the first Gagauz-language newspaper, author of the Gagauz-Romanian dictionary, and first translator of the Bible into Gagauz;
• Maria Marunevici – researcher, ethnographer, civic activist, and politician;
• Dmitrii Karacioban – writer, teacher, filmmaker, and founder of the first museum of Gagauz culture in Besalma;
• Nikolai Baboglu – writer, poet, educator, and folklorist who translated major literary works into Gagauz;
• Dionis Tanasoglu – writer and educator, developer of the Gagauz alphabet and school textbooks, former rector of Comrat State University.

This exhibition was part of the information and communication campaign “Gagauzia – 30 Years of Autonomy”, developed within the Dialogue on Gagauzia Project, implemented by CMI with the support of the Government of Sweden. The campaign aims to promote social cohesion and interethnic peace in the Republic of Moldova.

In addition, the Museum of Jewish History of the Republic of Moldova presented the exhibition “Family Values”, dedicated to preserving and promoting Jewish cultural heritage. Through stories of generations of Jewish families, the exhibition explored how culture, identity, and tradition are passed down and preserved.

A Global Context

During the 31st session of the UNESCO General Conference (Paris, 2 November 2001), the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity was adopted. Article 1 of the Declaration states:

“As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature.”

Following this, on 20 December 2002, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 57/249, proclaiming 21 May as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Fair exchange and dialogue between civilizations, cultures, and peoples—based on mutual understanding, respect, and the equal dignity of all cultures—are essential conditions for building social cohesion, reconciliation, and peace among nations. This international day provides a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of cultural diversity and to promote the objectives of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Explore More

To view photos and learn more about the events and exhibitions hosted by the National Library of the Republic of Moldova, please visit:

• https://www.facebook.com/marketingbnrm/posts/pfbid0HdMQixGkaXXYurcY58gGRgnigzSD4ANzDBtjb8SiNQjbZ82cGgYxAFwy469oqtTgl
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Authors:

Tatiana Gheiceanu, Head of Public Reading Section
Ana Plamadeala, Head of Marketing and Socio-Cultural Communication Section

Translated by:

Mariana Kiriakov, main specialist, Managerial Support and International Relations Section