RE | SHAPING CULTURAL POLICIES

Paris, 16 December – The rise of Internet giants, the explosion of social networks, the digital revolution – all profoundly changing the methods of production and dissemination of cultural goods such as music, film and books. Since the adoption of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the world’s cultural landscape has changed considerably. Presented at UNESCO on 16 December, the Report Re|Shaping Cultural Policies explores these changes and the policy impact of the Convention.

For the first time at the global level, the recently adopted United Nations Sustainable Development  Agenda for 2030 acknowledges the key role of culture, creativity and cultural diversity to solving sustainable development challenges. This recognition resonates with the UNESCO Convention on  the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the 10th anniversary of which  we celebrate in 2015.

Mariska de Groot, Dieter Vandoren – Shadow Puppet?, 2013

Over the last decade, this landmark Convention – now ratified by 140 Parties – has changed the overall approach on culture and cultural goods and services. It recognized the sovereign right of governments to introduce policies to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions. It highlighted the dual  nature of cultural activities, goods and services: they have both an economic and a cultural dimension  – providing jobs and revenues, driving innovation and sustainable economic growth, and at the same time conveying identities and values, fostering social inclusion and sense of belonging. Today, we can witness  the multiple advantages of this combination, as a force for both social and economic sustainability,  as a driver to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Links:

First Global Report – Evaluating the Impact of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions

Download the Full Report (PDF)
Download the Summary (PDF)