PURPOSE: World Poetry Day observed on 21 March aims to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression, to increase the opportunity for endangered languages to be heard at local and international levels, and to raise the visibility of poetry in the media. The observance of World Poetry Day is also meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in the media, so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity. As poetry continues to bring people together across continents, all are invited to join in.
FORUM: "Keep your poetic heritage alive!" World Poetry Day 2024. The UNESCO first adopted March 21stt as World Poetry Day during its 30th General Conference in Paris in 1999. Practiced throughout history, poetry includes various forms of language, expressions and signification. It is often accompanied by music and performed during special occasions. The universal nature of this artistic expression is shown by the number of elements linked to poetry on the Lists of the 2003 Convention, from the most recently inscribed Pasillo, an Ecuadorian musicalized poem, to the Lebanese Al-Zajal, inscribed in 2014, and the Ukrainian Cossack’s songs of Dnipropetrovsk region inscribed in 2016 on the Urgent Safeguarding List. Being one of the five domains of the 2003 Convention, oral traditions and expressions encompass an enormous variety of spoken forms including proverbs, riddles, tales, nursery rhymes, legends, myths, epic songs and poems, charms, prayers, chants, songs, dramatic performances and more. Oral traditions and expressions are used to pass on knowledge, cultural and social values and collective memory. They play a crucial part in keeping cultures alive. Follow the conversation with the hashtags #WorldPoetryDay; #21March, #Poetryforlife.
EVENTS: On March 21st, at UNESCO HQ; The 25th Edition of World Poetry Day will be held. Several activities, public lectures and books fairs will be organized in the Caribbean; Africa; Asia; Middle East; North America; Europe and Pacific regions. Join UNESCO in celebrating poetry across the globe and keep your poetic heritage alive!; During the the World Poetry Day 2024; Participants will be able to celebrate one of humanity’s most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expressions. This celebration will be an opportunity for each and every one of us to move into the living heart of ourselves and of the world.
STATEMENTS: Statement from the UNESCO Director-General, on the occasion of World Poetry Day 2024; March 21st.
PODCASTS - Poetry reaffirms our common humanity by revealing to us that individuals, everywhere in the world, share the same questions and feelings. A final suggestion about bringing poetry into your lives: don't analyze it, don't ask others to analyze it. Don't deconstruct it or try to make meaning of it. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: The UNESCO is celebrating the power to question certainties in order to remain open to others, to welcome the world in all its diversity – all essential foundations for building peaceful societies. That is why the Organization stands by poets, especially the younger generation, to enable them to take full advantage of this literary form, and to support the publication of their works.“PROMOTE POETRY”. Get the communication materials!
PUBLICATIONS: Poetry, Imagination, and Education.
Why We celebrate the Day?
Poetry is the mainstay of oral tradition and, over centuries, can communicate the innermost values of diverse cultures. In celebrating World Poetry Day on 21 March, UNESCO recognizes the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind. Bring some poetry into your hearts, homes, classrooms and schools. We need poetry. We really do. Poetry promotes literacy, builds community, and fosters emotional resilience. It can cross boundaries that little else can.
Organizers
Why We Need Poetry in Schools?
The celebration highlights how poetry can be used as a tool to bring awareness to social issues, give a voice to the community, promote linguistic diversity and change the way people view their place in the world.
Poetry helps us know each other and build community.
When read aloud, poetry is rhythm and music and sounds and beats.
Poetry opens venues for speaking and listening, much neglected domains of a robust English Language Arts curriculum.
Poetry has space for English Language Learners.
Poetry builds resilience in kids and adults; it fosters Social and Emotional Learning.
PARTICIPANTS
The UN Educational and Scientific Education (UNESCO); The Elementary Students; The High School Students, The College/University Students, and General Public.
Find the poems that wake you up, that make you feel as if you've submerged yourself in a mineral hot spring or an ice bath; find the poems that make you feel (almost) irrational joy or sadness or delight.
Find the poems that make you want to roll around in them or paint their colors all over your bedroom ceiling. Those are the poems you want to play with -- forget the ones that don't make sense.
Find those poems that communicate with the deepest parts of your being and welcome them in.
Make a donation.
Give opportunities for young writers; Support Poetry. The demand for poetry programming and resources continues to grow. Participe in in giving poetry books and materials to Schools and universities in least developing countries