Summary Report of International Events / Meetings of Interest
to the INCP
Introduction
INCP members mandated the Liaison Bureau to follow and attend
when possible, international meetings related to the work undertaken
by the INCP and prepare a comprehensive summary analysis to support
discussions. This year, the Liaison Bureau identified 7 international meetings
with themes of interest to the INCP. This document contains a brief
summary of each meeting and issues to consider for the network.
A conclusion/trends section identifies overarching themes or ideas,
which appeared at several of the conferences.
The Second Annual International meeting of Cultural Professional
Organizations, Paris, France, February 2-4, 2003
Description:
The Second Annual International Meeting of Cultural Professional
Organizations, which was held in Paris, included participants from
Cultural professional Organizations from over 30 countries, representing
all aspects of artistic creation and expression. It was organized
by the Comité de vigilance pour la diversité culturelle
and the coalition for cultural diversity and was held in parallel
to the Working Group on Cultural Diversity and Globalization Meeting
of Ministers.
The conference allowed participants to discuss the importance
of culture in society. The focus was put on the need to establish
an international binding Treaty, independent of international trade
bodies, which will enable governments to develop policies that
protect and promote Cultural Diversity. It was noted that Culture,
as guardian of the collective memory of all peoples, must not be
seen uniquely through an economic lens and that the economic domination
of culture threatens the diversity of intellectual and artistic
expression. Furthermore, participants stressed the fact that all
peoples have a fundamental human right to cultural diversity.
Issues to Consider:
-
How to develop cultural policy so as to validate not only
the market value of culture but also its social value?
-
How do we ensure that at the international level, all countries
benefit from the right to create the cultural policies of
their choice while at the same time respecting human rights and
freedom
of expression?
-
How to ensure that the fundamental human right to cultural
diversity is protected?
-
How to develop an international convention, which enables
nations to establish their own cultural policies?
Conclusions:
It is necessary for Countries to oppose liberalization commitments
of any kind with regards to goods and services in the field of
culture and develop policies that protect and promote their own
culture. Moreover, countries must actively promote the balanced
international circulation of all creative expression and act in
solidarity with developing countries through policies of cooperation.
Given the trade deadlines of the WTO, as well as, ongoing regional
and bilateral negotiations, it is imperative that a Treaty be developed
and adopted on an urgent basis in order to provide a legal foundation
for the fundamental right of states and governments to freely establish
their own cultural policies. Furthermore, in order to ensure transparency
on the process and reflect the real needs of professionals in the
domain of culture, the developmental process for arriving with
a treaty at UNESCO must include the active participation of professional
organizations from the cultural sector.
Back to Top Interlocal: Foro Iberoamericano de Ciudades para la Cultura, Montevideo,
Uruguay, March 25-28, 2003
Description:
This conference brought together cultural representatives from
various Ibero-american states and was divided into two parts. The
first part was the "Foro Iberoamericano de Cuidades para la
Cultura" to which only those responsible for the culture of
cities were invited to participate. The objective was to focus
on the development of a Network of "Local-Local" cooperation,
so as to exchange ideas and best practices in managing the plurality
of cultures present in contemporary societies. This forum also
looked to create new spaces for cooperation, observatories and
research groups focused on the analysis and the implementation
of cultural policies and transversal organizations that would promote
the launching of inter and intra-city cooperative projects.
The second part of the conference entitled, "Modelos y experiencias
culturales urbanas", which was open to the public, focused
on the presentation of significant projects, relevant local activities
and cooperative cultural projects between regions.
Issues to consider:
-
How to ensure that local cultural policies are given a higher
level of importance within Ibero-American states?
-
How to go about creating fora for multilateral cultural
cooperation, which will compliment those that already exist?
-
What can be done to promote 'interlocal' dialogue?
Conclusions:
Participants at the conference noted that culture is a key element
to the sustainable development of Ibero-American states. The discussion
also focused on the importance of creating solid local policy tools
and authorities as these are indispensable preconditions to the
good governance and consolidation of the democratic systems in
Ibero-American countries.
The necessity for promoting new possible multilateral modes of
cooperation, which would come into compliment those already existing,
was also discussed. Furthermore, it is important for inter-dialogue
take place within the context elaborating policies for sustainable
development.
Back to Top The Second Hemispheric Experts Seminar on Cultural Diversity for
the Organization of American States, "International Instrument
on Cultural Diversity", Halifax, Canada, March 27-28, 2003
Description:
The Second Hemispheric Experts Seminar on Cultural Diversity in
the Americas was hosted by Canada as a follow-up to last year's
meeting, which was held in Vancouver. Experts from twenty-three
countries of the hemisphere came together to discuss the role,
scope and need for a new international instrument on cultural diversity.
It brought together both culture and trade representatives from
many countries, as well as NGOs and representatives from the cultural
industries.
The purpose of this seminar was to provide experts from the Americas
an opportunity to exchange information, opinions and concerns related
to the promotion and preservation of cultural diversity as well
as an International Instrument on Cultural Diversity (IICD). The
Conference also welcomed observers from Europe, Africa and Oceania.
The Conference was divided into four themes, which included: an
overview of recent developments on cultural diversity in international
front; cultural policies and opportunities for domestic and economic
development; domestic cultural policies, cultural diversity, and
international trade negotiations; and, an international instrument
on cultural diversity (IICD): potential contribution to global
governance in support of cultural diversity.
The conference allowed for a discussion on how while the successful
development cultural industries plays a significant role in the
economic advancement of developing countries, Culture must come
to be seen as far more relevant to that development than simply
a commodity. This then led to a discussion on how an international
Instrument on Cultural Diversity must therefore reflect the impact
that cultural goods have on both the economic and social vitality
of developing countries.
Issues to Consider:
Based on comments set forth by participants, a number of questions
can be raised for consideration:
-
How can we ensure that an instrument on cultural diversity
be reflective of the nature of culture and cultural diversity
and
guarantee the rights of nations to develop their cultural industries?
-
How do we go about to ensure the maintenance of an open
dialogue between governments, international organizations and
civil society?
-
How to develop cultural policy so as to promote domestic
and economic development?
-
What amendments should be brought to the IICD so as to ensure
the protect of developing countries vis à vis economically
affluent countries?
-
What steps will need to be taken to ensure that states lend
their full support to an IICD?
Conclusions:
In order for Culture to thrive, it is imperative that there be
a policy shift in the way it is viewed by governments. As it currently
stands, too much emphasis is given to the economic elements of
culture (production and trade of cultural goods) and not enough
to the other aspects of it. Therefore, with respect to the IICD,
it was noted that it will need to put into policy action within
trade and culture fora that cultural goods and services are special
and thus need to be treated differently.
In light of the creation of an International Instrument on Cultural
Diversity, it will be important to promote balanced and equitable
trade between co-signatories of the convention. Developing countries
will need to conceive and create tools that will allow local cultural
industries flourish and be competitive on the world market.
Given that fact that the IICD is currently under consideration
at UNESCO, it is imperative that there remain a free and open dialogue
between civil society, government, international organizations
and the private sector. Moreover, recommendations were made to
enhance partnerships between local and international financial
institutions be strengthen to achieve fair, equitable and sustainable
development.
Furthermore, participants noted that it is necessary felt that
it is necessary to develop inter-ministerial dialogue between departments
responsible for cultural policy and those responsible for the development
of trade policy, as well as, judicial experts.
Back to Top Colloque Trois Espaces Linguistiques, April 2-4, 2003, Mexico
Description:
The second "Colloque Trois Espaces Linguistiques", held
in Mexico from the 2-4 of April, was hosted by l'Organisation internationale
de la Francophonie (OIF), the Ibero-American States Organization
(OEI) and Union Latina. The theme of the conference focused on
the theme of Cooperation, Diversity and Peace, which was then divided
into the following sub-themes: Diversity and Cultural Pluralism;
and, Pluralistic Societies and the Information Era. Present at
the discussion table were, namely, representatives from various
NGOs and civil society.
Issues to Consider:
Conclusions:
Two declarations were issued, one focusing on cultural diversity
and the other on the broader theme of the conference, Cooperation,
Diversity and Peace. The former engages the host-organizations
to maintain their efforts to achieve progress in their negotiations
with UNESCO regarding an international instrument.
The second declaration, which was signed by the host-organizations,
as well as, Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization
(ALECSO), the Council of Europe, UNESCO and the Arab League calls
for the engagement of the signatories in the promotion of an international
instrument on cultural diversity. It also calls on states to put
a stop to taking common positions at international meetings and
to take action in order to ensure that those negotiating international
accords are sensitive to the affirmation of cultural diversity.
Furthermore, the co-signatories must follow-up on the UNESCO Recommendation
of the promotion and use of plurilingualism and universal access
to cyberspace.
The second Declaration also called for the a meeting to take place
in Rome at the end of November 2003 in order to examine the possibility
of creating synergies in the matter of cultural awareness.
Back to Top World Conference: Dialogue among Civilizations - The Key to a
Safe Future, Warzaw, Poland, April 23-26, 20031
Description:
Sponsored by UNESCO, the World Conference on "Dialogue Between
Civilizations - The Key to a Safe Future", was organized by
the Polish Asia and Pacific Council Association, in conjunction
with the Polish National Committee for UNESCO, the Institute for
Political Studies at the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Centre
for East Asian and Pacific Studies of Trier University (Germany),
as well as, a vast group of scientific institutions from around
the world.
The conference focused on the discussion of how dialogue among
civilizations and cultures could be promoted and carried out. The
focus was also put on determining what type of infrastructures
for dialogue should be developed in order to aim at granting peaceful
and fruitful co-operation of all nations.
Back to Top Colloquium of Ministers of Culture of the Southern African Development
Community (SADC) - Pretoria, South Africa -May 24, 2003
Description:
The first Colloquium of Ministers of Culture of SADC was held
in Pretoria on the occasion of the first SADC Multidisciplinary
Festival, and in anticipation of African Day celebrations, which
commemorated forty years of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU),
now known as the African Union (AU) on 25 May 2003. The Colloquium
was attended by seven of the twelve SADC Culture Ministers.
The Colloquium focused on the role of culture in NEPAD (New Plan
for Africa's Development), the continental strategy for Africa's
social and economic growth. It was agreed that the current sectoral
priorities in NEPAD for culture provide a sound base from which
to begin work, and deliberations focused on identifying clear strategies,
goals and outcomes for culture. These will be presented by the
SADC secretariat to NEPAD.
The importance of SADC Culture Minister's involvement in other
multilateral fora focusing on issues of cultural diversity, such
as the International Network for Cultural Policy (INCP) and UNESCO
was stressed, particularly in view of the draft convention on cultural
diversity that is being developed within the INCP, which will be
discussed at the UNESCO General Conference in October 2003.
Issues to consider:
-
Investigating a guideline NEPAD framework legislation and
looking into the establishment of a technical committee for
culture in
NEPAD.
-
Incorporating the key priorities areas of culture identified
by the Ministers into the culture strategy for NEPAD
-
Aligning with and contributing to international fora / multilaterals
highlighting current policy issues eg. pursuing membership
of the INCP
Conclusions:
It is necessary for the Ministers to establish a research network
to interrogate the NEPAD documents to support policy development
in member countries. Furthermore regular coordinated Colloquia
are necessary to ensure that the role of culture is placed as central
to NEPAD. Strategic partnerships must be formed to promote and
develop culture in the region.
The next Colloquium of SADC Culture Ministers will be held in
three month's time, hosted by the SADC secretariat.
Back to Top The Third International Congress of Culture and Development, La
Habana, Cuba, June 9-12, 2003
Description:
This International Congress is organized by the Ministry of Culture
of the Republic of Cuba in cooperation with UNESCO, UNICEF, OEI
(Ibero-American States Organization), SELA (Economic System for
Latin America), the Andres Bello Treaty, the Union Latina, as well
as, other national and International organizations. It will be
held in the Palacio de Convenciones, Cuba.
The purpose of this conference will be to: promote reflection,
debate and exchange in relation to some of the fundamental issues
of the relationship between arts and culture and development
in the face of globalization and the urgent need to preserve or
cultures;
stimulate the exchange of experience, ideas and projects that
will strengthen human creativity in the face of current challenges;
and, promote the search for common ground, common strategies
and
projects that will fuel cultural development through co-operative
action. The Program will be centered on various fora devoted to visual
arts, literature, theatre, dance, music and cinema. It will also
address issues of cultural heritage, libraries, the teaching of
the arts, the role of the above in socio-cultural development and
the way the new technologies are applied within cultural contexts.
Issues to Consider:
-
How to ensure the creation of spaces to allow the exchange
of initiatives, strategies and projects in support of culture
within
the context of globalization?
-
What tools would best serve to safe-guard and preserve world
Cultures?
-
What strategies/policies can be put in place so as to ensure
that Culture is viewed as an essential component to sustainable
development?
Conclusions:
In order for the world's cultures to flourish in the age of globalization,
it is imperative that spaces for cultural dialogue be created at
the local, regional and international level. Culture must come
to be viewed as a tool to build and enrich humanity.
Back to Top 1st Meeting of A.C.P. Ministers of Culture, Dakar, Senegal, June
18-20, 2003
Description:
Held in Dakar, Senegal, the first meeting of A.C.P. Ministers
of Culture brought together over 200 participants, including members
from various international organizations such as UNESCO, UNCTAD,
ILO and AIF, among others, which were invited as observers. Representative
from Canada and France also attended as observers. This conference
called upon ACP states to address a number of items such as, the
relationship between culture and sustainable development, the assessment
of their tangible as well as intangible heritage, their collective
view on the UNESCO Convention for the conservation of intangible
cultural heritage.
Issues to Consider:
-
What steps/measures can be taken to ensure the restoration
of illegally acquired ACP cultural property?
-
What can be done to reinforce the struggle against illicit
trade in cultural goods?
-
How would their participation on the elaboration of an
international instrument on cultural diversity benefit
ACP member states.
Conclusions:
Given that culture is to be considered as the safeguard of their
sustainable development and the maintenance of peace and security,
A.C.P Ministers of Culture adopted a Declaration and Plan of action
aimed at implementing a development strategy based on culture and
cultural industries since these are essential elements of their
economic development. Furthermore, Ministers undertook to get their
countries to adopt a set of measures bearing on public and private
financing for cultural operators, taxation, legislation, infrastructures
and partnerships between the public and private sector, as well
as, international donors and other important organizations.
Concerning artists, it was strongly encouraged that ACP states,
which do not already do so, guarantee a legal status for their
artists and fight against their precarious situation, that they
often face in developing countries. Further in relation to ACP
artists, the ACP Group requested that the European Union (EU) (with
whom the ACP has close relations), facilitate the movement of artists
and their works on EU markets. Also, fervent appeal was launched
for the restoration of illegally-acquired ACP cultural property
and the reinforcement of the struggle against the illicit trade
of cultural goods.
In relation to the cultural policy, it was recommended that ACP
states participate in the elaboration of an international instrument
on cultural diversity aimed at guaranteeing cultural pluralism
and regulating trade on cultural goods and services. The importance
of defining common cultural strategies in order to take full account
of the opportunities offered by globalization was also discussed.
Conclusion / Trends
Recurrent themes at the different meetings were that:
As a significant number of countries within the international community have
grasped the importance of culture diversity in society, it is important to seize
upon the current momentum and consensus and focus on the creation of an international
instrument, which protect and promotes cultural diversity.
It is imperative that culture comes to be seen as far more than
a simple commodity. For this reason, it is important that an international
instrument on cultural
diversity (IICD) be formulated so as to recognise that culture plays a key
role in the social and economic development of every country.
Also, given the evident link between sustainable development and culture, it
is important that developing countries with the support of more affluent countries
create tools that will allow for their economic and social advancement. Furthermore,
the IICD must be formulated so as to ensure the protection of developing countries
from the negative effects of globalization the often have economic consequences.
Work must continue for the promotion of an international instrument on cultural
diversity, which reflects the fact that culture is an element, which is experienced
and lived by all peoples.
Also, further trends will be identified by the Liaison Bureau pending follow-up
to a number of Conferences listed above
Next Steps for the INCP
-
The Network's Working Group on Cultural Diversity and Globalization
(WGCD&G) and all it members should continue to draft
and promote an International Instrument on Cultural Diversity,
in terms of
it's development and it's promotion at the local, regional
and international level.
-
The INCP should will follow-up on work undertaken other
working groups such as that established by La Francophonie,
working on
an international instrument on cultural diversity and related
subjects to build linkages and to ensure consistency
of messages and purpose.
- The Liaison Bureau has yet to reason the report for this conference but
will ensure follow-up on this conference and provide a post-conference update.
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