16 Nov. UNESCO International Day for Tolerance – A Wake-Up Call to Our Hearts
A World Shaken by Intolerance
Let’s be honest: these days, the word “tolerance” feels rare. Far too often, stories of intolerance fill our newsfeeds—towards people who look, think, or believe differently. We see the bitterness in the way we talk about each other, in every corner of life. It hurts. Not just those affected, but all of us. If you pause for a moment, can you feel how much is lost, every time we put a wall between us and another human being?
The Power and Promise of Tolerance
“In a globalising world, it is no longer enough to live side by side, in passive indifference – tolerance requires active vigilance, renewed each day, against xenophobia, discrimination and hatred,” said Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO.
Her words go under your skin, don’t they? It’s not enough to ignore what’s wrong or to turn away because it doesn’t affect us. True tolerance calls us to open our hearts and eyes every day. It’s daily work—uncomfortable, sometimes exhausting, and yet, this is how a future is built. Imagine a society where people truly see and respect each other, no matter how different their backgrounds are. Imagine how much more beautiful life could be.
Why the International Day for Tolerance Matters
Every November 16th, UNESCO reminds us what inspired the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—to not just remember, but to act. The United Nations established this special day in 1996 to urge all of us to make space for understanding and empathy. It’s more urgent now than ever.
Tolerance is Our Strongest Answer to Hate
“We live in an era of rising and violent extremism, radicalism and widening conflicts that are characterised by a fundamental disregard for human life. I call on all people and governments to actively combat fear, hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding and mutual respect. Let us advance against the forces of division and unite for our shared future,” former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.
Read that again. We are all, individually and together, called to give more than lip service—to stand up, listen, and meet others with respect. Tolerance is more than a word. It’s our humanity in action.
What Can You Do Today?
If you feel the weight of division and anger around you, don’t shut down. Choose to reach out, to listen, to understand. Every act of openness is a seed for something better—and you don’t have to solve the world’s problems alone. The quieter, braver choice is often to make connection possible where you are, right now.
Let this International Day for Tolerance be a gentle, powerful invitation: Let’s not just hope for a tolerant world—let’s create one, with heart, courage, and open arms.