Theme Paper

The Global Context: Challenges to Cultural Policy in the 21st Century

Culture in all its forms is the essence and key expression of our identity and heritage. For millennia, human interaction has sparked the development of unique languages, cultures, traditions, values and histories that are at the core of our diversity. Improved means of communication and interaction offer greater opportunities for creativity, development, and social cohesion. At the same time, new trends particularly globalization, through the increased mobility of people, economic liberalization, new communication technologies, and industry consolidation are making us re-think our traditional notions of identity and sovereignty. As a result, it is important to ensure the ability of communities and countries to nurture diversity and creativity while fully participating in the global environment. Cultural policies in the 21st Century need to empower people and communities to harness their creativity, enrich the sense of cultural identity and improve social integration and the quality of life of all members of society without discrimination.

Meeting Objectives

The International Network on Cultural Policy (INCP) brings national Ministers responsible for culture together to exchange views on the central role that culture plays on the international agenda. Building on the last Ministerial Meeting in Oaxaca, Mexico, September 1999, and the inaugural meeting of the Network in Ottawa, Canada, June 1998, the third annual INCP meeting aims to build awareness and advance dialogue on three interdependent cultural policy issues:

Cultural Heritage in Social and Economic Development
Explores the role of tangible and intangible heritage. Discussions will address the challenges and opportunities of promoting and protecting heritage for social and economic development.

Cultural Diversity and Globalization
Examines the growing importance of cultural diversity and identity in an increasingly globalized world. Discussions will explore how diversity and identity can be integrated into a common approach to global development, including the challenges of harnessing social and economic opportunities for culture while preserving and promoting the ability of communities to nurture differences in all aspects of cultural expression.

Implications for National Action
Discusses the role of governments in the protection, promotion and enhancement of cultural diversity, identity and heritage. Building on issues and dialogue raised in the first two sessions, discussions will examine national cultural policies and policy tools in a global economy.

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