Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions - Main contents
A conference organised by the Commission to mark the adoption of the Convention in 2005, gathered together UNESCO ambassadors, Ministers of Culture and cultural operators from around the globe.
The UNESCO Convention, ratified to date by 116 countries, was adopted with a view to encouraging policy makers worldwide to protect cultural expressions at risk of extinction and preserve the cultural wealth of the world. The conference on 8 December, opened by European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Ms. Androulla Vassiliou i, was an occasion to recall the Convention's key principles and renew political commitment to their implementation. The event put the spotlight on actions taken at European and national level to bring the Convention to life. |
It was equally important for identifying future steps in its implementation and areas of work for which strengthened international cooperation is in demand.
Mr Francesco Bandarin, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, welcomed the Commission's commitment and strong partnership over the last 5-years, emphasising its contribution to promoting international cooperation, intercultural exchange and dialogue.
Ms. Fadila Lanaan, Minister of Culture, Audiovisual Affairs, Health and Equal Opportunities of the French speaking Community in Belgium highlighted a new publication on "Culture and Development; Action and Impact", the fruit of cooperation between the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European Commission and culture civil society.