1999 - Next Steps of the Network

At the contact group meeting of ministers, offers to host the upcoming annual network meetings were made and accepted by Greece for 2000, by Switzerland for 2001 and by South Africa for 2002.

Ministers agreed on the importance and value of the international network on cultural policy as an informal venue conducive to real dialogue. The INCP offers an opportunity to engage internationally and informally to share experiences and exchange views.

Canada offered to host a Working Group on Cultural Diversity and Globalization to undertake further work and provide Ministers with advice. It is understood that the products of this work will not be binding on the network as an entity. Mexico offered to host a Working Group on Cultural Heritage.

Ministers agreed that Canada would house the permanent Liaison Bureau to the INCP. The Liaison Bureau would serve the shared interests and goals of network member countries. It would work in close consultation with the pro-tempore chair of the annual meeting of the network, the contact group, and network members, and would support network to articulate plans and vision for the functioning of the network.

The Liaison Bureau would also act as an information clearinghouse, managing the network's web site and newsletter. Member countries might use the liaison bureau to share their own materials on emerging cultural policy issues with fellow members.

As required, the Liaison Bureau would support and assist the host country in its preparations for the annual meeting. The Liaison Bureau could also research emerging cultural policy tools and prepare short issue papers for the information of members. This research could support the INCP working groups as well as provide issues for consideration by ministers at their annual meetings.

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