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UNIVERSAL DAY OF CULTURE
INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT

APPEAL

The year 2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the Roerich Pact. This document was the first in world history «Treaty on the protection of artistic and scientific institutions and historical monuments». The Banner of Peace, the Culture Banner was chosen as a symbol of the Roerich Pact.

Hague "Convention for the protection of cultural values in the event of army conflict"(1954), «Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage» (1972), «Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions» (2005), «Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage» (2003) were signed on the basis and in development of ideas of the Roerich Pact.

The care about Culture is especially important today, when the Planet and human society pass through new global economic and ecological crises, cataclysms and military conflicts.

Only ascension of Culture can cease military conflicts and make more moral the policy and economy and unite people around the world despite their nationality, age, sex, social and financial position. Only acceptance of Culture as a national idea by governments worldwide is a pledge of peace on the Planet Earth.

"In the social life the spiritual primacy belongs to Culture. The society purposes are realized neither in the politics not in economy, but in Culture», wrote the philosopher Nicolas Berdyaev.

«Culture and Peace are the most sacred goal of humanity! In the days of great unrest, both material and spiritual, the disturbed spirit yearns for these radiant strongholds. But our union in the name of these regenerating conceptions should not be an abstract one. In accordance with our abilities, each one in his own field, should infuse them into the actual surrounding life, as most necessary and undeferrable[...] Verily, today, the fifteenth of April, will and must be a memorable day[…] In many countries, at least this one day will teach a great deal.

[…] From Temples, shrines of spirit, from all light-imparting centers, should ceaselessly thunder the world-wide call. By untiringly unfurling everywhere the Banner of Peace[…] Let us also affirm the Universal Day of Culture, when simultaneously in all churches, all schools and all educational institutions, the world will be reminded of the true treasures of humanity, of creative heroic enthusiasm, of improvement and enhancement of life», wrote Nikolas Roerich, the outstanding Russian artist, scientist, the thinker, the cultural figure in 1931 during the period of preparation for signing of the Pact of Culture.

So let us follow the words of the academician D.S. Lihachev, who proclaimed to demand «the right to culture as the right to life», let us put this into action in our personal environment, in our states, regions, enterprises, let us raise the level of Culture and involve the best representatives of mankind, who will spread Peace and Cooperation among people.

We address the governments worldwide, UNESCO and to other interested organizations with an appeal to affirm April 15th, day of signing the Roerich Pact as the Universal Day of Culture under the Banner of Peace. «.Every endeavor, even the most evident, requires an active start. For Peace and Culture one does not even need a unanimous world-wide vote. The beautiful principles of General Good can be affirmed in every scale, still retaining their vital potentiality. Let us thus greet wholeheartedly all co-workers: "Without delay, proceed victoriously in your full capacities, along this glorious Path! », wrote Nikolas Roerich.

With this great appeal we will begin our action,
the affirmation of a priority of Culture!

The organizing committee of International Movement
for the affirmation of Universal Day of Culture
under the Banner of Peace

Banner of Peace and Pax Cultura in Vilnius 2011, Lithuania

Lithuanian Governance in 2006 year announced 15 April the Day of Culture. It is already third time when Banner of Peace was solemnly raised by Lithuanian Parliament symbolising peace through culture and the idea of expressing commitment to preserve and enhance cultural values.

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NEWS

UNESCO

The signature collection
Everyone has opportunity to support the action for the Affirmation of the 15th of April as the Universal Day of Culture under the Banner of Peace and take part in the internet voting on the site. Your voice will be considered in UNESCO.

Petitioning V.V. Putin
V.V. Putin: Do not allow the destruction of the public Museum named after N.K. Roerich!

The Union of Baltic Cities

The Union of Baltic Cities supports establishment of the Universal Day of Culture

Banner of Peace and Pax Cultura in Vilnius 2011, Lithuania
>>watch video

The organizing committee
119313, Russia, Moscow,
the Lenin prospectus,
the house 90, office 211

Tel./fax.
+7-495-771-14-41
Tel.
+7-903-558-85-50
+7-926-246-77-97
udculture@mail.ru