PURPOSE: In order to generate public awareness, emphasize the dangers of intolerance and react with renewed commitment and action in support of tolerance promotion and education, the United Nations solemnly proclaimed 16 November the annual International Day for Tolerance. The idea of tolerance is deeply rooted in the fabric of the culture, heritage and traditions. The principles of peaceful and tolerant education also apply to educational content produced in conflict-affected areas. It is inarguably important that this material is free from inaccurate, biased, or discriminatory depictions of different groups in society and that students are taught the values of peace, responsible citizenship, equality, and tolerance in all circumstances. In conflict zones, peace education aids peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Attitudes promoting peace, tolerance, and non-violence range from a national to an international context or one that blurs the lines between the two.
FORUM: "Reflecting on Tolerance." International Day for Tolerance 2025. The "principle of tolerance" can refer to several concepts, most commonly: the social and ethical idea of accepting and respecting diverse beliefs, behaviors, and identities, even if one disagrees with them; and the logical principle that two instances are similar enough to be treated as the same for a given purpose. Socially, tolerance is a cornerstone of peaceful coexistence, allowing individuals to live freely without imposing their views on others. In logic and philosophy, it relates to the choice of language and systems, as with the "principle of tolerance" proposed by Rudolf Carnap for creating new logical systems. The acceptance of different beliefs, actions, and cultures, acknowledging that people have the right to live their own lives, even if their views differ from your own. olerance equires respect and appreciation for human diversity, not indifference or weakness. It means that one's own views should not be imposed on others. The Principle of Tolerance is consistent with human rights and encourages peaceful coexistence by ensuring everyone can live in peace and dignity. The concept of Tolerance, highlighted by philosophers like Karl Popper, questions whether a society should tolerate those who are intolerant. Some argue that a tolerant society must preserve itself and therefore has the right to suppress intolerant ideologies that would undermine its own liberties and freedoms. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #tolerance, #16November, #InternationalDayforTolerance, #ToleranceDay.
EVENTS: Commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance UNESCO,
On November 16th; The UNESCO, the UNAOC, the UN ACADEMIC IMPACT and the OHCHR will organize a webinar to mark the International Tolerance Day 2025 to generate public awareness of the dangers of intolerance and to teach the values of peace, responsible citizenship, equality, and tolerance in all circumstances. The United Nations General Assembly recommends that interested intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and specialized agencies exert efforts in their respective fields to contribute to the celebration, and to consider what further contributions they can make toimplement and disseminate the standards affirmed in the Declaration of Principles. Register to participate and watch the livestream!
PUBLICATIONS: Read the 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance established by the UNESCO.
Against Tolerance. What is it that we mean, exactly, when we plead for tolerance? What, for example, is meant by ‘racial tolerance’? Do we mean that it should be understood that a person’s race is irrelevant to the way we judge her and to the way she should be treated? Well, so it is – but a recognition of that fact isn’t tolerance, it’s simply good sense. Or do we mean that, although the members of certain races are of course odorous, stupid, or morally deficient, we shouldn’t mention this – perhaps because it would be impolite or socially unacceptable? If that’s what’s meant by ‘tolerance’, and I suspect that for many people it is, then it should be recognised and condemned for what it is: dangerous and bigoted nonsense. Read the full document.
PRIZE: UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence. In 1995, to mark the United Nations Year for Tolerance and the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, UNESCO created a prize for the promotion of tolerance and non-violence: the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize. This Prize rewards significant activities in the scientific, artistic, cultural or communication fields aimed at the promotion of a spirit of tolerance and non-violence. The creation of the Prize has been inspired by the ideals of UNESCO’s Constitution that proclaims that "peace, if it is not to fail, must be founded on the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind".
PODCASTS: Tolerance recognizes the universal human rights and fundamental freedoms of others. People are naturally diverse; only tolerance can ensure the survival of mixed communities in every region of the globe. Listen to the audio-Podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: It’s time to recognize the mounting threat posed by those who strive to divide, and pledge to forge a path defined by dialogue, social cohesion and mutual understanding. Towards a more tolerant societies. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 51/95 proclaiming 16 November as International Day for Tolerance. On this day, appropriate activities for educational establishments and the wider public are organized. The day marks the anniversay of the adoption of the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance by UNESCO's Member States in 1995. Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It’s time to build public information campaigns in connection with the Follow-up Plan of Action for the realization of more tolerant societies.
The International Day for Tolerance is hosted by the United Nations System, the UNESCO regional offices, the United Nations Journal, the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC), the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNOHCHR), The United Nations Human Rights Council (UHRC), The United Nations Foundation, the Elders, The United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals,the International Criminal Court (ICC), the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (IMPACT-se). With the participation of the Civil Society Organizations, International and Non-Governmentl Organization, Religious leaders and communities, researchers and academic.
Invite people to Define Tolerance.
Teach the values of peace, responsible citizenship, equality, and tolerance in all circumstances.
Tackle ideas or theories that justify or promote acts and expressions of violence, incitement to violence, hostility, harm, and hatred toward other national, ethnic, racial, or religious groups.
Encourage the development of curricula that promote tolerance, understanding, and respect by developing a capacity for non-violent conflict resolution, using educational materials that are up-to-date, accurate, complete, balanced, and unprejudiced, and employing equal standards to promote mutual knowledge and understanding between different peoples.
Follow the Plan of Action for the promotion of tolerance in order to build a more tolerant societies.