Jakarta - Indonesia's proposal for UNESCO to recognize the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha holidays has received approval from the UNESCO Executive Board.
As reported by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuesday (2/4/2024), with the support of more than 30 countries as co-sponsors, this proposal was discussed and decided at the 219th UNESCO Executive Board Meeting at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, (13-27/3), through Draft Decision 219/EX 37.
The proposal is part of Indonesia's diplomatic efforts to promote interfaith tolerance and cultural and religious diversity at UNESCO.
Official recognition from an international organization such as UNESCO will encourage global understanding of cultural and religious values and enhance the status and image of these religious celebrations in the eyes of the world.
The decision has important significance for Indonesia, especially as one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world.
The designation will strengthen Indonesia's profile on the international stage, emphasizing the important values that Indonesia upholds such as diversity, solidarity, unity and togetherness.
Through the proposal, Indonesia asks UNESCO to take positive steps in promoting the value of inclusiveness towards cultural and religious diversity, especially in respecting holidays that are important for all Muslims in the world.
This recognition will not only send an important message of tolerance and respect for religious and cultural differences in an increasingly connected global society, but will also strengthen religious identity and local diversity in countries that celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
In addition, this recognition has the potential multiplier effect of promoting religious tourism in Indonesia by attracting tourists to experience Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations first-hand in their place of origin.
In the context of rising Islamophobic sentiments, the recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha also plays an important role in promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue and contributes positively to peace-making efforts.
The decision will also change UNESCO's schedule and agenda, ensuring that no official meetings will be scheduled on the same dates as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Previously, there were no official UNESCO resolutions or decisions recognizing the importance of the two holidays, so it still happens that UNESCO meetings are held on the same day as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as happened in 2023, when the Fifth Extraordinary Session of the General Conference was held to coincide with Eid al-Adha.
The proposal was initiated in early 2024 and will be discussed at the 42nd UNESCO General Assembly for adoption and implementation by UNESCO intergovernmental entities other than the Executive Board.
Countries that support and co-sponsor Indonesia's proposal include: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE and Yemen.
Indonesia serves as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for the period 2023-2027, after being elected at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference elections last November 2023.(InfoPublik)