With the rise of tolerance as a core virtue and its recognition as a key element in building cohesive and stable societies, today, November 16, the world celebrates the International Day for Tolerance. Tolerance strengthens social bonds, reduces conflicts, and fosters cooperation and intellectual exchange among individuals.
Origins of the International Day for Tolerance
According to the United Nations (un.org), the celebration began after the UN declared 1995 as the Year for Tolerance. The goal was to raise awareness among educational institutions and the public about the importance of tolerance as a fundamental element in societies, enhancing trust, cooperation, and the ability to overcome challenges while maintaining stability and well-being.
In the same year, UNESCO issued the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance to define and promote this noble virtue among governments and stakeholders. November 16 marks the anniversary of this declaration and serves as a reminder of the importance of tolerance, human rights, and fundamental freedoms.
UNESCO’s Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence
UNESCO established a prize to honor outstanding achievements in promoting tolerance and non-violence across science, culture, arts, and communication: the Madanjeet Singh Prize.
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The prize recognizes that tolerance is a universal human right and was inspired by UNESCO’s founding charter, which asserts that “peace must be founded upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.”
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It rewards remarkable contributions in arts, culture, communication, and science that foster tolerance and non-violence.
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In 2024, the prize was awarded to REDIN, a network of interpreters and cultural mediators in Oaxaca, Mexico, serving marginalized communities with training and translation services.
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The prize was established in 1995, commemorating the UN Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth.
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It honors Madanjeet Singh, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, diplomat, artist, and writer, who devoted his life to promoting peace, harmony, and the understanding that human diversity can only thrive through tolerance.
The prize is awarded biennially on November 16 and includes $100,000 USD. Madanjeet Singh was born on April 16, 1924, in Lahore, Pakistan (now Pakistan), and passed away on January 6, 2013.
Inspirational Quotes on Tolerance
To celebrate the International Day for Tolerance, here are some powerful quotes highlighting its value:
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“Laws alone do not guarantee freedom of expression; tolerance must prevail among people.” – Albert Einstein
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“Acceptance, tolerance, and forgiveness are the lessons that change lives.” – Jessica Lange
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“The only way to ensure those you agree with can speak is to support the rights of those you disagree with.” – Eleanor Holmes Norton
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“Tolerance is the result of humanity; we are all made of weaknesses and mistakes; let us forgive each other.” – Voltaire
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“You have your way. I have my way. But the correct and only way does not exist.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
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“You must tolerate what you cannot change; tolerance may lead to learning something new.” – Jacob Dylan
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“In practicing tolerance, one’s enemy is the best teacher.” – Dalai Lama
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“Tolerance is the greatest gift to the mind; it requires the same effort as balancing on a bicycle.” – Helen Keller
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“If there is a deep gap between my beliefs and my neighbor’s, there is always the golden bridge of tolerance.” – Unknown
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“We hold these truths to be self-evident: all people are created equal.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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“Man is born free, yet everywhere he is in chains.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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“Tolerance is the conscious ability to love, respect, and accept differences that make people unique.” – Byron R. Pulsifer
November 16 serves as a global reminder that tolerance is not just a value to celebrate once a year—it is a way of life, a cornerstone of human rights, and a bridge for peace across cultures and societies.
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