World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue 2025

World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue 2024, St Lucia
World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue 2024, St Lucia

What is World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue

Join us on Thursday, May 22 to recognise the United Nations (UN) World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue (WDCDD).

Here at UQ, UQ Wellbeing and the UQU International Collective will be recognising WDCDD at the St Lucia campus with a community-wide event on May 22nd. This celebration will be bringing together multiple elements of cultures and traditions from various cultural groups. There will be activities and workshops introducing you to different cultures, languages, traditions and lifestyles, so don't miss this opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the multiculturalism and diversity across the UQ community!

Venue: The Great Court, St. Lucia

Time: 12 - 5pm

Attendance is free for all community members, including UQ students, UQ staff, UQ alumni and non-UQ community members. All attendees are encouraged to wear their traditional dress.

Come early to receive a $6 food truck voucher. Vouchers are limited to the first 500 students and 1 voucher per student. Food vouchers can be used at food truck and expo stalls.

To see how you can travel to the venue, see your available transport options here.
 

Download digital program

 

What's on in 2025

Our cultural stage will showcase cultural performances through music and dance from across the UQ Community, including students, staff and alumni. This year’s program will have over 15 performances. Explore the full program below.
Indulge in food of different cultures and countries with a variety of food trucks and vendors.
Join one of our drop-in workshops to allow you to reflect on yourself, your identity, language and culture.
Workshops include cultural weaving with Aunty Jeannine Smith, Vietnamese Coffee Making, UQ Counselling and more.
Visit stallholders representing student clubs and global interests to learn about their culture, taste some food and buy some wares.

The UQ Community is uniquely diverse,

with over 55,000 students (2022),

of which around 20,700 are

international students from 137 countries

2025 Performance Program 

Our cultural stage will showcase cultural performances through music and dance from across the UQ community, including students, staff and alumni.

 

Download digital program

TimePerformanceWhoAbout

12.15 to 12.30pm

Welcome to the event

Acknowledgement of Country
UQ Wellbeing
12.20 to 1.30pmSection 1Various Performers (coordinated by Hong Lee, UQ Ventures)
 

12.20 to 
12.30pm

Indonesian Horse Dance

Gatut

The Indonesian Horse Dance

The Indonesian horse dance is a colorful and lively performance featuring a dancer riding a handmade horse, set to rhythmic music and singing. It is often believed to have mystical and spiritual elements, sometimes involving trance-like states. Traditionally part of rituals, celebrations, and community events, the dance blends local beliefs, customs and cultural expression, preserving the heritage and artistic identity of the Javanese people.

12.30 to 12.40pmLlamerada

Bolivia Marka Dance Group

The Bolivia Marka dancers are a group of fun-loving people from diverse cultural backgrounds including Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Australia brought together by their love and commitment to preserving Bolivian folklore and sharing it around the world!

Llamerada is a popular dance of Bolivian origin. It is a representation of the llama muleteers who went from the highlands altiplano to the valleys to exchange products, using the llama as a means of transporting products. It is also a remembrance of the task of herding llamas and has historical religious value as a ritual of good fortune.

12.40 to 12.50pm The ContradanzaTarpuy

Tarpuy is a Peruvian folk dance group performing The Contradanza. We are united by our dedication to preserve and share the vibrant culture of Peru through dance. The name 'Tarpuy' is a homage to our roots, derived from the indigenous Quechua language, symbolising the sowing of seeds. In our hands, dance becomes a seed planted, blossoming into a magnificent representation of Peruvian culture for all to see and appreciate

The Contradanza is a traditional cultural expression from the northern highlands of Peru, originally created as a parody of the elegant courtly dances of the Spanish conquistadors. With energetic movements and vibrant costumes, this dance embodies the region’s spirit of resistance, joy, and celebration. It has been officially recognised as part of Peru’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

1 to 1.10pmMexican DanceMexican Dance Group Queensland

The Mexican Dance Group of QLD was born in 2015 is located in Brisbane, Australia. 

Proudly dedicated to sharing the vibrant culture and traditions of Mexico in Australia. 

Our performance showcase a rich repertoire of music and dance styles from various regions of Mexico. Each part reflects our country’s unique history and cultural heritage.

1.10  to 1.20pm

Looking at homeland from afar

(Chinese Folk Dance)

UQ Chinese Cultural Dance Club 

UQ Chinese Cultural Dance Club is a branch of Brisbane Chinese Dance Collective, based in St Lucia campus of UQ. From graceful classical moves to energetic folk rhythms-fused with modern stage flair - we dance to share culture and celebrate diversity at UQ!

Looking at homeland from afar (Chinese folk dance)
In China, there are 56 ethnic groups who live in different environments resulted in different lifestyles, living customs and historical cultures. All of those reflected in the folk-dance vocabulary and created various folk dances in China. Mongolian dance is stretching and heroic because people live on the vast grassland. Tibetan dancers usually lower their center of gravity because they live on the plateau. Korean dancers imitate cranes with their hands because they regard cranes as their totem. Dancers will express their love to the homeland via different folk dance vocabularies in this performance.

1.30 to 1.45pmStage break 

 

1.45 to 2pm"Solid Rock" by Goanna (UQ Version)Reconciliation AustraliaReconciliation Australia: Voices for Reconciliation to celebrate National Reconciliation Week – Solid Rock by Goanna (UQ Version) 
2 to 4pmSection 2Students and UQU Student Clubs & Societies

2 to 2.10pm

Ancient Chinese poem

Dong-Yue Su

Ancient Chinese poem, but in the fusion style of traditional Chinese opera and Western opera.

2.10
to 2.20pm
Indian Cultural performance

UQ Naatak

"Naatak", meaning performance in Sanskrit as well as many languages in India, means to perform and/or act. UQ Naatak's performance will share about the Indian culture and help build a sense of belonging for the international students.

2.20 to 2.30pm

Tamil Cultural dance 

UQ Tamil SocietyA cultural dance performance from the UQ Tamil Society. 

2.30
to 2.40pm

Japanese Drumming taiko performance

UQ Taiko The Japanese characters 太鼓 (taiko) translate directly to "big fat drum" and it is a form of traditional Japanese music and art that combines powerful beats with dynamic movements. Although intimately a part of Japanese culture for over 1000 years, taiko has now spread all around the world and captured many people's hearts with its lively, loud and energetic performances. 
3 to 3.10pm

K-pop dance cover performance

UQ K-pop Dance ClubUQKDC wishes to build and strengthen the existing K-Pop community that is within UQ through dance. While K-Pop encompasses a wide variety of popular culture, we aim to use and share K-Pop choreography dance to bring about a safe and positive environment for the community.
3.10 to 3.20pmTheri Ungli Pakadke chalaa: Sri Lankan PerformanceAl Ameen Sehi Mohamed

Theri Ungli Pakadke Chalaa: Melody which sings the importance of any mother by the son. This song and music is original from Hindi language of India. A very famous song around India and other nations.

 

Piyasala Thurulwela Aadhare: Sinhala language song from Sri Lanka, this is a fast-paced song to get the audience dancing.

3.20
to 3.40pm

Two dance performances UQ Dance 
3.40
to 3.50pm
"Lenggang Nyai" Indonesian danceUQISA

An Indonesian dance performance to "Lenggang Nyai", compsed by Wiwik Widiastuti.

This dance is about Nyai Dasimah who a beautiful woman from Betawi was who chose a Dutch man named Edward William as her husband. After their marriage, Nyai Dasimah’s life changed. The rules imposed by her husband made Nyai Dasimah feel confined. Feeling that her rights as a woman were being taken away, Nyai Dasimah decided to rebel and fight for her freedom.

This dance is a manifestation of the story of Nyai Dasimah in her struggle to fight for her freedom as a woman.

4 to 4.10pmSection 3:
Official Welcome

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Kris Ryan

4.10 to 5pmSection 4Global Partnerships 

(coordinated by Miho Hamad, MC Teuku Ahmad Faris Pasya)

4.20 to 4.30pmA Glimpse of Nusantara (Indonesian cultural dance and live music)Australian Awards Student 

This performance highlights the cultural richness and diversity of Indonesia through a sequence of traditional and musical presentations. It begins with the rendition of a national song, evoking a sense of longing for home and expressing a deep emotional connection to the homeland. This is followed by a medley of traditional dances from various regions, showcasing the nation’s vibrant heritage and cultural plurality. The performance concludes with a lively dangdut segment that blends singing and dancing, inviting audience participation to embody the unifying and celebratory spirit of Indonesian popular culture.

4.30
to 4.50pm
Goyang Maju MundurSalkomesel (Indonesian Band)Goyang Maju Mundur is a dance that's typically done at weddings, parties, or other events where people want to have a good time. The point is to let loose, forget about stress, and bond with everyone else there. The steps are super easy, so anyone can join in on the fun.
4.50
to 5pm
Thank you and closing remarks UQ Wellbeing
5pmMonkey ModeUQ Japan Exchange (UQJX)A closing performance from UQ Japan Exchange (UQJX)

(Program last updated 20th May, 5pm.
Please check back for the latest program updates)


Dialogue

Our dialogue section will provide a space for activations and workshops that promote community awareness about the benefits of multiculturalism through intercultural dialogue. There are also workshops to allow you to reflect on yourself, your identity, language and culture.

 

TimeActivations/WorkshopsWhoAbout
12 to 3pmBadges of Belonging and A World In Our Hands  UQ Library

Badges of Belonging

Come along to create your own cultural diversity-themed badges! Choose a badge or decorate your own to pledge your support for celebrations of diversity and inclusion. All materials will be provided.

 

A World In Our Hands

Make your mark and contribute to a series of art installations that will be displayed across the various UQ Library locations. 

These artworks will later be displayed across various UQ Library locations as a temporary installation.

12.30 to 3pmVietnamese Coffee: Stronger Than Your Monday Mood (R)Minh Le, Chau An Pham

Welcome to the world of Vietnamese coffee: rich, unapologetically slow, and packed with bold character.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll meet cà phê phin - Vietnam’s humble yet legendary drip filter - learn to brew like a local, and discover why condensed milk is the country’s sweetest secret.

Explore how robusta beans, condensed milk, and a simple metal filter come together to create a flavor that’s deeply rooted in Vietnamese daily life: from bustling Saigon sidewalks to tranquil Hanoi courtyards. This isn’t just coffee. It’s culture, connection, and local ingenuity in a cup.

Whether you're a curious coffee lover or a culture enthusiast, come sip, chat, and get a taste. 

Register here to save your spot!

(Warning: May cause cravings and spontaneous plans to visit Vietnam!)

12.30 to 3pmCultural Weaving Workshop
 
Aunty JannineExpand your cultural knowledge by joining our Cultural Weaving Workshop. Have a yarn with your peers while learning how to weave special momentos from Aunty Jannine, to bring home for yourself or as a gift to others. 

12 to 4.30pm

Pastoral dialogue bench
 

Multi-Faith ChaplaincyReaching out to international students to chat about wellbeing in their emotional and spiritual space cultivated in an open and friendly campus atmosphere. Free snacks provided.

12 to 5pm 

'Who We Are' Art WorkshopHeart and Soul SistersThis creative art workshop encourages participants to creatively paint a canvas which is their own interpretation about who they are, their personality, beliefs and culture.
12 to 5pmMaypole DancingBelswagger Morris DancersCome learn to dance Maypole! A pan-European tradition of uncertain origin, Maypole dancing is simple, yes, fun. Learn a handful of basic English Maypole dances to live traditional music. 
1 to 5pmWear Your Story: Brooch MakingUQ Counselling

Celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity and Dialogue by creating a unique brooch that visually represents your personal identity. Using a variety of materials, explore the symbols, colors, and textures that tell your story and proudly wear a piece of your heritage and individuality.

 


Food Trucks

Nanaya Brisbane

Matcha and sweets

Bimm’s BBQ Chargril

Filipino street food

Cairo Eatery

Egyptian Vegan

Djakarta Eat Indonesian

Indonesian street food

Dumplings Master

Dumplings

Come early to receive a $6 food truck voucher! (Please note: Vouchers are limited to the first 500 students and 1 voucher per student. Food vouchers can be used at food truck and expo stalls)


Getting to The Great Court (St Lucia)

You can get to the Great Court at the St Lucia Campus via several transport options. 

If you plan to park on campus, you can read more about Parking at UQ and information about paying for parking here (campuses.uq.edu.au).

 

This event is proudly supported by Allianz Care Australia and the Queensland Government

Allianz Care Australia

Queensland Government Coat of Arms