The UN General Assembly, through resolution 57/249 adopted in December 2002, declared 21 May the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, one year after UNESCO adopted its Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in 2001, which paved the way for the UN resolution. The day emerged from a growing recognition that cultural divisions fuel many of the world's conflicts — three-quarters of major global conflicts are estimated to have a cultural dimension. It therefore focuses on promoting dialogue between civilizations and faiths as an essential tool for building peace and mutual understanding. UNESCO leads the annual observance through cultural and artistic events that showcase the diversity of the world's languages, traditions, and arts, alongside forums on how cultural diversity can be harnessed as a resource for economic and social development rather than a source of division.