Lucerne Statement

International Network on Cultural Policy

4th Annual Ministerial Meeting
Lucerne, Switzerland, 24-26 September 2001

Participating Members:

Swiss Confederation, Armenia, Austria, Barbados, Brazil,
Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, France, Greece, Iceland,
Latvia, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Russia, Senegal, South
Africa, Sweden, Tunisia, Vietnam

Observing Members:

Netherlands, United Kingdom

On 24-26 September 2001, the Ministers of the International Network on Cultural Policy (INCP), observers from UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the European Union, and invited guests met in Lucerne where they stated their ongoing engagement toward the importance of preserving and promoting cultural diversity at home and internationally. They also reconfirmed the important role of UNESCO as the sole multilateral organization with a cultural mandate. This year's informal policy discussions, hosted by the Swiss Confederation and chaired by the Honourable Mme. Dreifuss, Federal Councillor, emphasized the changing role of governments and the emerging cultural policy issues in the global economy.

The horrific events that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001 and acts of violent conflict have left no one untouched. Ministers learned during the 2001 Annual Ministerial Meeting that the former Minister of Culture of Colombia, Consuelo Araújo Noguera, was kidnapped on September 24, 2001. Ministers agreed that these tragic events call for an even stronger commitment to work for sustainable development and toward a greater understanding and respect for the differences inherent in our cultural diversity.

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The meeting focused on three themes:

Integrating and Managing Cultural Diversity: Ministers discussed the impact of global trends such as the movement of people on the role of cultural policies. Using the Swiss model as a basis to launch discussion, Ministers highlighted the important role of culture in all aspects of society. The integration of considerations of cultural diversity in all policy-making can contribute importantly to building social cohesion, reducing poverty, and preventing conflict. Ministers considered how to promote intercultural dialogue and cooperation, and enhance the richness of cultural diversity at the national level in order to build peaceable societies that see diversity as a social and cultural advantage. Discussion focused on issues of strategic policy approach and management of diversity at the national and international levels. Ministers concluded that:

• the integration and management of cultural diversity is important to peaceful coexistence and to promoting better understanding between different cultural communities living in the same country;
• governments should seek to create an environment, through policies and mechanisms, that promotes multicultural interaction and openness within countries and internationally.

Cultural Diversity and Globalization: Consideration of an International Instrument on Cultural Diversity: Ministers advanced priority work begun last year regarding the idea of an international instrument on cultural diversity. Ministers concluded that:

• the further development of an International Instrument on Cultural Diversity which includes a common vision, objectives, and norm-setting elements is essential to articulate the close and important relationship between cultural diversity and international social and economic development;
• it is the legitimate role of governments to preserve and promote cultural diversity through the development and implementation of cultural policies at all levels.
• the needs of developing countries require increased attention in order to augment their capacity in the field of cultural development.

Ministers endorsed the report and advice of the Working Group on Cultural Diversity and Globalization on the scope and framework of an international instrument on cultural diversity (see Annex A). During this discussion, Ministers supported the need to focus an international instrument on the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity in the face of globalization - including the impact of trade liberalization, prejudicial trade practices and rapid technological advancement on cultural products and policies.

The Network Ministers gave the Working Group a two-year mandate for work on the international instrument. Canada reconfirmed its sponsorship of the Working Group. In the context of the Working Group, Switzerland offered to lead a study on governance issues for the instrument, including where it could be housed. A draft text of the instrument, including the notion of its enforceability, will be presented at the next annual meeting. The next working session will be held in Oslo, Norway, before the end of 2001. The Working Group will continue to closely cooperate with UNESCO and other international organizations.

Cultural Policy and the Changing Role of Government: Opportunity for Exchange and Dialogue: Ministers explored emerging cultural policy issues, the role of national governments in making cultural policy and how existing policies and policy tools are still effective with respect to cultural policy. Discussions focused on work undertaken by INCP members to explore the media and broadcasting and new issues related to the preservation and promotion of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

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During this theme, Ministers also discussed the need for governments around the world to find ways and means to achieve their cultural objectives in a global economy. The balancing of power with new partners (i.e. private sector, civil society) and the internationalization of policy issues traditionally considered domestic are challenging traditional approaches and tools for policy development. Ministers concluded that it is necessary for Ministers of Culture to share experiences, insights and strategies in order to better integrate cultural policies and programs across ministries to advance development objectives. Colombia offered to share its cultural observatory projects with Network members via the INCP website.

Ministers welcomed the 2001-2002 proposal and work plan from Mexico for an innovative virtual Working Group on Cultural Heritage. Mexico invited all INCP members to actively participate in a series of virtual meetings in December 2001 to advance the work plan (see Annex B). Mexico will provide a report of all findings by August 2002 and advice to Ministers at the next annual meeting. Ministers also welcomed the conclusions of the Working Group meeting on Broadcasting in a Global Environment and expressed appreciation to its sponsor, Italy.

Ministers reiterated their engagement towards civil society and enjoyed several opportunities to exchange ideas and discuss common issues with the members of the International Network on Cultural Diversity (INCD). Ministers also welcomed the report of the Second Annual Meeting of the INCD, "Towards a Global Cultural Pact," which took place in Lucerne on September 22-23, 2001, and engaged in a stimulating dialogue on the challenges of ensuring a diversity of cultural expression, mutual interest in an international instrument on cultural diversity and the respective roles of governments, artists and cultural workers.

The value of the INCP as an informal, focussed, and flexible forum for discussion and dialogue was a recurring theme during all discussions. Ministers welcomed the creation of a new structure, "Special Policy Research Teams," as a way to address key policy questions. During this meeting, the challenges and issues facing the media, including broadcasting, were discussed extensively by Ministers. Brazil, among others, will explore the creation of a team to examine key questions in this area.

The Ministers closed with a commitment to further discussions at the next meeting of Ministers in 2002 under the chairmanship of South Africa. Ministers welcomed UNESCO's suggestion that South Africa apply for some funding for the meeting in the framework of the Inter-regional Participation Programme to ensure African participation. Ministers from Brazil and Canada each announced a contribution to the South African meeting in the amount of $25,000 and will encourage others to lend support. It was also announced that Croatia has graciously offered to host the INCP in 2003, that Tunisia will take on this responsibility in 2004, and that Armenia will follow in 2005.

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