Victorians from all backgrounds will unite through festivals, events, films, dance, music and food for Cultural Diversity Week, on until Sunday.

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) will take part in multipul activities, including the “One World Cup” tournament organised by Victoria Police and the Premier’s Gala dinner.

ECCV chairperson Joe Caputo OAM said the week was a celebration of the benefits of multiculturalism, and what it adds to Victoria.

“We celebrate our state’s unique multicultural fabric this week, from the streets and neighbourhoods we live in to our diverse workplaces,” he said.

“And while we attend festivals and events this week, let’s make sure we celebrate our cultural diversity everyday – not just through attending festivals, but through our words and actions of respectfulness, harmony and inclusiveness.”

“We condemn racism and discrimination of all descriptions and uphold anti-racism activities and initiatives that focus on promoting equality of opportunity among culturally and linguistically diverse groups,” Mr Caputo said.

ECCV has joined forces with some of Australia’s leading businesses, sporting bodies and NGO’s to support the “Racism. It stops with me” campaign, which is being led by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The campaign emphasises the importance of taking a stand against racism whenever it happens.