Plenary Session 2 Roundtable

“Guiding Parameters in Globalization - Cultural Diversity & Identity”

Cultural globalization is a social and cultural reality which unifies the contemporary world through the intense communications capabilities of modern society and the demographic movement of people.

Globalization, as the most recent stage in our evolution, goes hand in hand with the emergence of a number of different communities developing simultaneously across geographical and social space, leading people to identify themselves as global citizens. This cultural globalization need not necessarily lead to homogenization and uniformity, for each culture has its own distinct traditions, customs and values. These traditions, and the symbols used to express them, further links people both within and across cultures.

The development of large communications networks and the influence of open markets provide an opportunity for new means of expression to emerge, while at the same time lead to an openness, and facilitate access, between existing traditions.

The major challenge to be met by our civilisation is to integrate cultural differences as organic elements of contemporary society, while reaping the benefits of globalization and minimizing its potentially homogenizing impacts. In other words, countries are challenged to recognize and foster cultural and intellectual diversity and protect the interests and rights of minorities. At the same time, they should seek to secure access and openness to markets while sustaining a basic level of shared identity, social cohesion and national solidarity in a global environment.

The INCP Working Group on Cultural Diversity and Globalization is exploring existing international instruments related to cultural diversity. The existing instruments range over several themes including human rights, social cohesion, democracy and trade. However, there is clearly a need for new instruments to address new challenges. In the current globalized world, there is a need to more closely link cultural diversity to international social and economic development -- perhaps through a new international instrument on cultural diversity.

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