Geneva – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Rakuten Viber announced today a new partnership to celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development with a special exclusive sticker pack on Viber.   

COVID-19 has contributed to the further spread of xenophobia and hate speech against migrants with many blaming them for the transmission of the virus, while in reality migrant workers have been at the forefront of the fight against the coronavirus and kept core services going for our societies throughout lockdowns. 

“Cultural diversity remains a driving force of development and a means to leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional life," says Luca Lamorte, IOM’s Social Media Manager. 

“It is also an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

The specially designed sticker pack, called “Cultural Diversity Day”, will be launched on Viber to complement and support IOM’s advocacy efforts in promoting cultural diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. The stickers are designed by Hannah Padilla, a Filipina illustrator and artist, and are a continuation of the partnership between IOM and Rakuten Viber, one of the leading global applications for free and secure communication.   

“IOM and Viber employ individuals from all over the world, and we believe that diversity is a strength. Likewise, migrants are agents of change, key contributors to cultural diversity, and a source for innovation. It was natural to team up with IOM to fight stigma and xenophobia and inspire our audience to celebrate our cultural differences by showcasing positive examples,” said Petya Kamburova, Business Development Manager at Rakuten Viber. 

The Cultural Diversity Day stickers, which are available in the Viber’s sticker market, provide a smooth and instant access to the global IOM community and allow users to access and interact with the content.   

For more information, please contact Luca Lamorte at IOM HQ; Email: llamorte@iom.int  

About IOM  
 
IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.   

About Rakuten Viber  

At Rakuten Viber, we connect people. No matter who they are, or where they are from. Our global user base has access to a range of features like one-on-one chats, video calls, group messaging, and updates and discussions with their favourite brands and celebrities. We ensure our users have a secure and free environment to share their emotions.