Tenth anniversary of the adoption of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

Transcription

1 United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural Organization Tenth anniversary of the adoption of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

2 ECHOING VOICES Tenth anniversary of the adoption of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

3 Introduction Ir in a Bok o va, Dir e c tor- Ge n e r a l In 2001, the General Conference of UNESCO Member States unanimously adopted the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. This founding text was the first to acknowledge cultural diversity as the common heritage of humanity. It is with great pride that UNESCO is commemorating the 10 th anniversary of the Declaration. Commemorate from the Latin cum memorare means quite literally to remember together or to remember with. We have compiled in this collection the voices of all those who have contributed to the heightening of human awareness by throwing into relief the inestimable value of cultural diversity. These excerpts from books, articles statements by global intellectual political leaders, artists Nobel Prize-winners all call for the safeguarding of cultural diversity, which is inseparable from respect for human dignity. Their voices resound in bearing witness to the strength of cultural diversity to its capacity to enlighten the minds of women men. We are duty-bound to ensure that it is central to public policies a resource for development dialogue among nations. The United Nations was born of the determination of men women to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.... In accordance with that principle, UNESCO was established on a key idea, expressed at the very beginning of its Constitution:... since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed. In the world today, globalized, connected interdependent as never before, this mission is more vital than ever. The rapprochement of peoples cultures requires a commensurately global awareness. Cultural diversity has always been at the heart of international relations. It is also, increasingly, a feature of the contemporary mixed plural societies in which we live. In view of this reality, we must formulate appropriate public policies rethink the mechanisms of social cohesion civic participation. How can we build common ground on the basis of such diversity? How can we construct genuine moral intellectual solidarity of humanity? Any new vision of humanism must be grounded itself in the dynamism diversity of cultural heritage. It is a source of inspiration knowledge to be shared a means of broadening our horizons. The goal of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity is to provide keys benchmarks for capitalizing on this wealth. There can be no sustainable governance if cultural diversity is not acknowledged. There can be no economic social development if specific features of every culture are belittled ignored. We are convinced that cultural diversity is a solid basis on which to build the common values of humanity to devise the responses to present-day challenges. It is a source of innovation renewal for our development approaches models for living together. We are far from having exhausted its potential.

4 The VOICES of diversity Irina Bokova 08 Ban ki-moon 10 Kofi Annan 12 Claude Lévi-StrauSS 14 Tzvetan Todorov 16 Lourdes Arizpe 18 aimé Césaire 20 Tanella Boni 22 Arjun Appadurai 24 Amartya Sen 26 daryush Shayegan 28 action Plan of the Stockholm 30 Conference on cultural policies Homi k. Bhabha 32 Wole Soyink a 34 Wangari MaAthai 36 Aung San Suu Kyi 38 Irina Bokova 40

5 Committed to the full implementation of the human rights Rights other universally recognized legal instruments, such as the two International Covenants of 1966 relating respectively to civil political rights to economic, social cultural rights, the wide diffusion of culture, the education of humanity for justice liberty peace are indispensable to the dignity of man constitute a concern, Noting that culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, social cohesion, the development of a knowledge-based economy, Affirming that respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust understing are among the best guarantees of international peace security, diversity, of awareness of the unity of humankind, of the development renewed dialogue among cultures civilizations, Aware of the specific mate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation promotion of Proclaims the following principles adopts the present Declaration: Culture takes diverse forms across time space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness plurality of the identities of the groups societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity should be recognized affirmed for the benefit of present future generations. While ensuring the free flow of ideas by word image care should be Further recalling Article I of the Constitution, which assigns to UNESCO among other purposes that of recommending such international agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas by word image, interaction among people groups with plural, varied dynamic cultural identities as well as their willingness to live together. Policies for the inclusion participation of all citizens are guarantees of social cohesion, the vitality of civil society peace. exercised that all cultures can express themselves make themselves Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to art to scientific technological knowledge, including in digital form, the possibility for all cultures to have access to the means of expression ARTICLE 10 Strengthening capacities for creation dissemination worldwide In the face of current imbalances in flows exchanges of cultural goods services at the global level, it is necessary to reinforce international cooperation solidarity aimed at enabling all countries, especially Referring to the provisions relating to cultural diversity the exercise of cultural rights in the international instruments enacted by UNESCO, cultural diversity. Indissociable from a democratic framework, cultural pluralism is conducive developing countries countries in transition, to establish cultural industries that are viable competitive at national international level. to cultural exchange to the flourishing of creative capacities that 8 group, that it encompasses, in addition to art literature, lifestyles, Reaffirming that culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive sustain public life. spiritual, material, intellectual emotional features of society or a social 9 ways of living together, value systems, traditions beliefs, ARTICLE 3 Cultural diversity as a factor in development of the roots of development, understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral spiritual existence. The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from respect for human dignity. It implies a commitment to human rights minorities those of indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural indivisible interdependent. The flourishing of creative diversity requires the full implementation of Rights in Articles of the International Covenant on Economic, Social Cultural Rights. All persons have therefore the right to express themselves to create disseminate their work in the language of their choice, particularly in their mother tongue; all persons are entitled to quality education training that fully respect their cultural identity; all persons have the right to participate in the cultural life of their choice conduct their own cultural practices, subject to respect for hed on to future generations as a record of human experience aspirations, so as to foster creativity in all its diversity to inspire ARTICLE 8 Cultural goods services: commodities of a unique kind up vast prospects for creation innovation, particular attention must of the rights of authors artists to the specificity of cultural goods services which, as vectors of identity, values meaning, must not be While ensuring the free circulation of ideas works, cultural policies must create conditions conducive to the production dissemination of diversified cultural goods services through cultural industries that have the means to assert themselves at the local global level. It is for each policy to implement it through the means it considers fit, whether by CULTURAL DIVERSITY sector civil society Market forces alone cannot guarantee the preservation promotion with the private sector civil society, must be reaffirmed. UNESCO, by virtue of its mate functions, has the responsibility to: b- Serve as a reference point a forum where States, international governmental non-governmental organizations, civil society the private sector may join together in elaborating concepts, objectives c- Pursue its activities in stard-setting, awareness-raising capacitybuilding

6 Committed to the full implementation of the human rights Rights other universally recognized legal instruments, such as the two International Covenants of 1966 relating respectively to civil political rights to economic, social cultural rights, the wide diffusion of culture, the education of humanity for justice liberty peace are indispensable to the dignity of man constitute a concern, Culture takes diverse forms across time space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness plurality of the identities of the groups societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity should be recognized affirmed for the benefit of present future generations. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE East, West, North South: I shall strive to build countless bridges between these parts of the world, all involved in globalization. Indeed, we must be ever on our guard for, while globalization brings freedom has helped millions of people to break free from poverty absolute poverty, it also bears the inherent danger of imposing uniformity on our world of diversity. The flourishing of creative diversity requires the full implementation of Rights in Articles of the International Covenant on Economic, Social Cultural Rights. All persons have therefore the right to express themselves to create disseminate their work in the language of their choice, particularly in their mother tongue; all persons are entitled to quality education training that fully respect their cultural identity; all persons have the right to participate in the cultural life of their choice conduct their own cultural practices, subject to respect for the means to assert themselves at the local global level. It is for each policy to implement it through the means it considers fit, whether by I was born in Bulgaria, where the mountains, the valleys the peoples have shaped geographical human lscapes of a deep richness great variety. I belong CULTURAL to the post-war DIVERSITY generation. It is also the generation that founded UNESCO. I know what it means to live in a multicultural, multi-religious multi-ethnic community. I know what respect tolerance are. In the cities of Bulgaria, such as Sofia Plovdiv, which are among the most multicultural cities of South-East While ensuring the free flow of ideas by word image care should be ARTICLE 10 Strengthening capacities for creation dissemination Europe, it is natural to see an Orthodox church, a mosque, a synagogue a Catholic church side by side, merely a few dozens Further recalling Article I of the Constitution, which assigns to UNESCO interaction among people groups with plural, varied dynamic exercised that all cultures can express themselves make themselves worldwide among other purposes that of recommending such international cultural identities as well as their willingness to live together. Policies of metres apart. I have experienced such an open peaceful In the climate, face of current such respect imbalances among in flows beliefs, from exchanges childhood. of cultural goods agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas by word image, for the inclusion participation of all citizens are guarantees of social cohesion, the vitality of civil society peace. Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to art to scientific technological knowledge, including in digital form, services at the global level, it is necessary to reinforce international cooperation solidarity aimed at enabling all countries, especially the possibility for all cultures to have access to the For means these of reasons, expression I st developing against countries the theory of countries the clash in of transition, civilizations. to To establish my mind, cultural the Referring to the provisions relating to cultural diversity the exercise of cultural diversity. industries that are viable competitive at national international level. cultural rights in the international instruments enacted by UNESCO, Indissociable from a democratic framework, cultural pluralism is conducive concept of civilization is embedded in the very principle of human community. The same sap to cultural exchange to the flourishing of creative capacities that ARTICLE 11 Building partnerships between the public sector, private C o m mi t t e d to t h e f u ll i m pl e m e n tat i o n o f t h e h u m a n Irina Bokova flows through the trunk the branches of the tree of humanity. Cultures, for their part, Reaffirming that culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive sustain public life. sector civil society 10 spiritual, material, intellectual emotional features of society or a social are the countless forms Market of expression forces alone that cannot our civilization guarantee can the take: preservation all cultures promotion flow into 11 r i gh ts a n d f u n d a m e n ta l f r e e d o m s p r o c l a i m e d in the group, that it encompasses, in addition to art literature, lifestyles, ARTICLE 3 Cultural diversity as a factor in development Universal Declaration of Human Rights other universally recognized the same river, that of human civilization. In the long thread of history, cultures have always ways of living together, value systems, traditions beliefs, legal instruments, such as the two International of the roots Covenants of development, of understood 1966 not simply in terms of economic mingled, enriched influenced with the private each sector other. There civil are society, no fault must lines be reaffirmed. between cultures, all Noting that culture is relating the heart respectively of contemporary to debates civil about political identity, rights growth, but to also economic, as a means social to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, ready to trigger shocks conflicts. An affirmation, to the contrary, is tantamount to social cohesion, the development of a knowledge-based economy, emotional, moral spiritual existence. cultural rights, imputing ulterior motives UNESCO, to humanity. by virtue of its mate functions, has the responsibility to: Affirming that respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust understing R e c a lling are among t hthe at t h e P r e a m b l e to t h e best guarantees of international peace security, I, in full agreement with UNESCO s position, refute that intergovernmental theory. My vision bodies; is quite different, because I believe that we are C o n s t i t u t i o n o f u n e s c o a f f i r m s [... ] hed on to future generations as a record of human experience b- Serve as a reference point a forum where States, international aspirations, naturally so as to bound foster by creativity our status in all as its human diversity beings, to inspire that we all governmental have the same non-governmental dreams of happiness organizations, prosperity civil society that the we t h at t h e w i d e d icultural f f u s i o n odiversity f c u lt u rand e, HUMAN RIGHTS diversity, of awareness of the unity of humankind, of the development know full well that such dreams can come true only if there private is peace. sector may join together in elaborating concepts, objectives a n d t h e e d u c at i o n o f h u m a ni t y for ARTICLE 8 Cultural goods services: commodities of a unique kind c- Pursue its activities in stard-setting, awareness-raising capacitybuilding the areas related to the present Declaration within its fields of Considering that the process of globalization, jfacilitated u s t i c e by athe n d rapid libe The r tdefence y a nof d cultural p e adiversity c e a ris e an ethical imperative, inseparable from up vast prospects for creation The commitment innovation, to peace particular is built attention day after must day in the minds of people. It is built through exchange dialogue. I respect for human dignity. It implies a commitment to human rights representing a challenge for cultural diversity, creates i n d ithe s p econditions n s a b lfor e to believe deep down that dialogue among cultures is the most d- Facilitate appropriate the response implementation to the of so-called the Action clash Plan, the of civilizations. main lines of which fundamental t h e d i gni freedoms, t y oin f particular m a n the rights of persons belonging to of the rights of authors artists to the specificity of cultural goods renewed dialogue among cultures civilizations, minorities those of indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural services which, as vectors of identity, values meaning, must not be a n d c o n s t i t u t e a s a c r e d d u t y w hich Aware of the specific mate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within We know that such cultural diversity is what makes us rich. It is also our future. the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation a ll t h e promotion n at i o nof s m u s t f u lf i l i n a s p i r i t of m u t u a l a ss i s ta ARTICLE nc e 5 a Cultural n d c onc rights eas ran enabling environment for cultural diversity While ensuring the free circulation of ideas works, cultural policies Cultural diversity dialogue among cultures contribute to the emergence of a new humanism in which the global must create conditions conducive to the production dissemination of Proclaims the following principles adopts the present Declaration: indivisible interdependent. diversified cultural goods services through cultural industries that have local are reconciled through which we learn anew to build our world.

7 12 Committed to the full implementation of the human rights Rights other universally recognized legal instruments, such as the two International Covenants of 1966 relating respectively to civil political rights to economic, social cultural rights, the wide diffusion of culture, the education of humanity for justice liberty peace are indispensable to the dignity of man constitute a concern, Further recalling Article I of the Constitution, which assigns to UNESCO among other purposes that of recommending such international agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas by word image, Referring to the provisions relating to cultural diversity the exercise of cultural rights in the international instruments enacted by UNESCO, Reaffirming that culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual emotional features of society or a social group, that it encompasses, in addition to art literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions beliefs, Noting that culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, social cohesion, the development of a knowledge-based economy, Affirming that respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust understing are among the best guarantees of international peace security, diversity, of awareness of the unity of humankind, of the development renewed dialogue among cultures civilizations, Aware of the specific mate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation promotion of Proclaims the following principles adopts the present Declaration: Culture takes diverse forms across time space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness plurality of the identities of the groups societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity should be recognized affirmed for the benefit of present future generations. interaction among people groups with plural, varied dynamic cultural identities as well Ban as their willingness Ki-Moon to live together. Policies for the inclusion participation of all citizens are guarantees of social cohesion, the vitality of civil society peace. cultural diversity. Indissociable from a democratic framework, cultural pluralism is conducive to cultural exchange to the flourishing of creative capacities that sustain public life. ARTICLE 3 Cultural diversity as a factor in development of the roots of development, understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral spiritual existence. Our interconnected world has brought cultures in closer contact with each other. I see that as an opportunity not a threat, a vast new opportunity to advance the UN s global mission of peace, development human rights. First, by preserving making the most of cultural diversity. Our main cultural agency, UNESCO, is a champion in this cause. The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from respect for human dignity. It implies a commitment to human rights minorities those of indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural indivisible interdependent. The flourishing of creative diversity requires the THE full implementation of Rights in Articles of the International Covenant on Economic, Social Cultural Rights. All persons have therefore the right to express themselves to create disseminate their work in the language of their choice, particularly in their mother tongue; all persons are entitled to quality education training that fully respect their cultural identity; all persons have the right to participate in the cultural life of their choice conduct their own cultural practices, subject to respect for hed on to future generations as a record of human experience aspirations, so as to foster creativity in all its diversity to inspire ARTICLE 8 Cultural goods services: commodities of a unique kind up vast prospects for creation innovation, particular attention must of the rights of authors artists to the specificity of cultural goods services which, as vectors of identity, values meaning, must not be While ensuring the free circulation of ideas works, cultural policies must create conditions conducive to the production dissemination of diversified cultural goods services through cultural industries that have the means to assert themselves at the local global level. It is for each policy to implement it through the means it considers fit, whether by Aspiring to greater solidarity on the basis of recognition of cultural diversity, of awareness of the unity of humankind, CULTURAL of DIVERSITY the development of intercultural exchanges, While ensuring the free flow of ideas by word image care should be ARTICLE 10 Strengthening capacities for creation dissemination exercised that all cultures can express themselves make themselves worldwide GENERAL In the face of current imbalances in flows exchanges of cultural goods Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to services at the global level, it is necessary to reinforce international art to scientific technological knowledge, including in digital form, cooperation solidarity aimed at enabling all countries, especially the possibility for all cultures to have access to the means of expression developing countries countries in transition, to establish cultural CONFERENCE industries that are viable competitive at national international level. sector civil society Market forces alone cannot guarantee the preservation promotion with the private sector civil society, must be reaffirmed. Considering that t h e P R o c e ss o f glo b a li z at i o n, facilitated by the rapid development of new information communication technologies, though representing a challenge for cultural diversity, UNESCO, by virtue of its mate functions, has the responsibility to: b- Serve as a reference point a forum where States, international governmental non-governmental organizations, civil society the private sector may join together in elaborating concepts, objectives c- Pursue its activities in stard-setting, awareness-raising capacitybuilding c r e at e s t h e c o n d i t i o n s for r e n e w e d d i a lo g u e among c ulture s ci viliz ations, Aware of the specific mate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation promotion of Proclaims the following principles adopts the present Declaration: 13

8 Committed to the full implementation of the human rights Rights other universally recognized legal instruments, such as the two International Covenants of 1966 relating respectively to civil political rights to economic, social cultural rights, THE GENERAL Kofi Annan Culture takes diverse forms across time space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness plurality of the identities of the groups societies their choice, particularly in their mother tongue; all persons are making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation creativity, entitled to quality education training that fully respect their cultural Recalling that the Preamble to the Constitution of UNESCO CONFERENCE affirms that cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for identity; all persons have the right to participate in the cultural life of the wide diffusion of culture, the education of humanity for justice nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity should be their choice conduct their own cultural practices, subject to respect for CULTURAL DIVERSITY liberty peace are indispensable to the dignity of man constitute a recognized affirmed for the benefit of present future generations. concern, Reaffirming ARTICLE that culture 2 From should cultural diversity to cultural pluralism While ensuring the free flow of ideas by word image care should be ARTICLE 10 Strengthening capacities for creation dissemination be regarded as the set of Further recalling Article I of the Constitution, which assigns to UNESCO interaction among people groups with plural, varied dynamic exercised that all cultures can express themselves make themselves worldwide among other purposes that of recommending such international distinctive cultural spiritual, identities material, as well as their willingness to live together. Policies In the face of current imbalances in flows exchanges of cultural goods agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas intellectual by word for the inclusion emotional participation of all citizens are guarantees of social Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to services at the global level, it is necessary to reinforce international We have yet to meet the challenge posed by the Charter of the United image, features of cohesion, society the or vitality a social of civil society peace. art to scientific technological knowledge, including in digital form, cooperation solidarity aimed at enabling all countries, especially the possibility for all cultures to have access to means of expression developing countries countries in transition, to establish cultural group, that it encompasses, Nations to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. In considering how Referring to the provisions relating to cultural diversity the exercise of cultural diversity. industries that are viable competitive at national international level. cultural rights in the international instruments enacted by UNESCO, in addition to Indissociable art literature, to achieve this supreme goal, we have come to realize that sending peacekeeping from a democratic framework, cultural pluralism is conducive lifestyles, ways to cultural of living exchange together, to the flourishing of creative capacities that forces to separate warring parties is not enough. Nor is it even enough ARTICLE to conduct 11 Building partnerships between the public sector, the private Reaffirming that culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive sustain public life. sector civil society 14 value systems, traditions preventive diplomacy. We need to act at a deeper level for the prevention spiritual, material, intellectual emotional features of society or a social Market of forces violent alone cannot guarantee the preservation promotion 15 beliefs, group, that it encompasses, in addition to art literature, lifestyles, ARTICLE 3 Cultural diversity as a factor in development conflicts before they arise. We need a culture of peace. ways of living together, value systems, traditions beliefs, of the roots of development, understood not simply in terms of economic with the private sector civil society, must be reaffirmed. Noting that culture is at the heart of contemporary debates Noting that culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, social cohesion, the development about identity, of a knowledge-based social cohesion, economy, the emotional, development moral of spiritual a The first fundamental principle of such a culture must be tolerance. This existence. knowledge-based economy, means welcoming celebrating the differences that make our planet UNESCO, such a varied by virtue of its mate functions, has the responsibility to: Affirming that respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue with richly other cultures. textured place. cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust understing are among the best guarantees of international peace security, diversity, of awareness of the unity of humankind, of the development renewed dialogue among cultures civilizations, Aware of the specific mate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation promotion of Proclaims the following principles adopts the present Declaration: A f f i r ming t h at r e s p e c t for t h e d i v e r s i t y o f c u lt u r e s, to l e r a n c e, d i a lo g u e a n d c o o p e r at i o n, in a climate of mutual trust understing a r e a m o n g t h e b e s t g u a r a n t e e s o f i n t e r n at i o n a l p e a c e a n d s e c u r i t y, The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from respect for human dignity. It implies a commitment to human rights minorities those of indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural indivisible interdependent. The flourishing of creative diversity requires the full implementation of Rights in Articles of the International Covenant on Economic, Social Cultural Rights. All persons have therefore the right to express themselves to create disseminate their work in the language hed on to future generations as a record of human experience aspirations, so as to foster creativity in all its diversity to inspire We must also broaden our view of what is meant by peace security. Peace means much more than the absence of war. Human security can no longer be ARTICLE understood 8 Cultural in goods purely military services: commodities terms. Rather, of a unique it must kindencompass economic development, social justice, environmental protection, democratization, disarmament, up vast prospects for creation innovation, particular attention must be paid respect to the for diversity human of rights the supply the of creative rule of work, law. Many to due of recognition these pillars of peace can of the rights of authors artists to the specificity of cultural goods be identified through the process of dialogue across cultures that is the essential services which, as vectors of identity, values meaning, must not be component treated as mere of a commodities culture of peace. or consumer goods. While ensuring the free circulation of ideas works, cultural policies must create conditions conducive to the production dissemination of diversified cultural goods services through cultural industries that have the means to assert themselves at the local global level. It is for each policy to implement it through the means it considers fit, whether by b- Serve as a reference point a forum where States, international governmental non-governmental organizations, civil society the private sector may join together in elaborating concepts, objectives c- Pursue its activities in stard-setting, awareness-raising capacitybuilding

9 1ARTICLE UNESCO universal declaration ON CulturAL diversity AdOPted by the 31 st S E S S I O N o f the GENErAL CONferENCE of UNESCO, ParIS, 2 NOVEMber Committed to the full implementation of the human rights Rights other universally recognized legal instruments, such as the two International Covenants of 1966 relating respectively to civil political rights to economic, social cultural rights, the wide diffusion of culture, the education of humanity for justice liberty peace are indispensable to the dignity of man constitute a concern, Further recalling Article I of the Constitution, which assigns to UNESCO among other purposes that of recommending such international agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas by word image, Referring to the provisions relating to cultural diversity the exercise of cultural rights in the international instruments enacted by UNESCO, Reaffirming that culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual emotional features of society or a social group, that it encompasses, in addition to art literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions beliefs, C u lt u r e takes diverse forms across time space. This di v e rsity i s e m bodie d in t h e u ni q u e n e ss a n d pl u r a li t y of t h e identitie s of t h e gr o u ps a n d s o c ie t ie s Noting that culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, social cohesion, the development of a knowledge-based economy, Affirming that respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust understing are among the best guarantees of international peace security, diversity, of awareness of the unity of humankind, of the development m a k ing u p h u m a n k in d. As a source of exchange, innovation creativity, c u lt u r a l d i v e r s i t y i s a s nrepresenting e c e ss aa rchallenge y for for h ucultural m a n kdiversity, i n d acreates s b ithe o dconditions i v e r s i tfor y renewed dialogue among cultures civilizations, i s for n at u r e. Aware of the specific mate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation promotion of In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity should be recognized affirmed for the benefit of present future generations. Proclaims the following principles adopts the present Declaration: c u lt u r a l d i v e r s it y: t h e c o m m o n h e r ita ge Culture takes diverse forms across time space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness plurality of the identities of the groups societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary o f for humankind h u mas abiodiversity nitis yfor nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity should be recognized affirmed for the benefit of present future generations. Ethnology - or anthropology, as it now tends to be called interaction - takes among the people human groups being with as its plural, object varied of study, dynamic but differs cultural identities from the as other well as human their willingness sciences to in live that together. it seeks Policies to for the inclusion participation of all citizens are guarantees of social apprehend cohesion, the its vitality object of civil in society its most varied peace. manifestations. Hence, the Thus notion defined, of cultural human pluralism condition gives policy remains expression marked to for the reality by of a cultural diversity. degree Indissociable of ambiguity. from a democratic With its framework, general nature, cultural pluralism the term is seems conducive to reduce to cultural differences exchange that to ethnology the flourishing essentially of creative seeks capacities to identify that sustain public life. isolate, not without postulating an implicit criterion - that ARTICLE 3 Cultural diversity as a factor in development of the human condition itself - which may alone enable it to circumscribe of the roots of development, its object. understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral spiritual existence. All intellectual traditions - including ours- have been up against this difficulty. From its beginnings until the first half of the 20th century, ethnological reflection was extensively concerned with discovering how to reconcile the postulated unity of its object The with defence the diversity of cultural diversity often is an incomparability ethical imperative, of inseparable its particular from respect manifestations. for human To dignity. do so, It implies the notion a commitment of civilization, to human connoting rights a minorities set of general, those universal of indigenous transmissible peoples. No one capacities, may invoke had cultural to make room for that of culture in a new accepted sense, for it denotes as many specific non-transmissible lifestyles perceptible in the form of tangible embodiments - techniques, indivisible interdependent. mores, customs, institutions beliefs - rather than virtual The flourishing of creative diversity requires the full implementation of Rights in Articles of the International Covenant on Economic, Social Cultural Rights. All persons have therefore the right to express themselves to create disseminate their work in the language of Claude their choice, particularly Lévi-Strauss in their mother tongue; all persons are entitled to quality education training that fully respect their cultural identity; all persons have the right to participate in the cultural life of their choice conduct their own cultural practices, subject to respect for capacities, corresponding to observable values instead While ensuring the free flow of ideas by word image care should be exercised of truths that or supposed all cultures truths. can express themselves make themselves Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to art to scientific Now the notion technological of culture knowledge, immediately including presents in digital form, the possibility for all cultures to have access to the means of expression problems that are, if I may say so, those of its use in the singular in the plural. If culture - in the singular, if need be with a capital C - is the distinguishing attribute of the human condition, what universal traits does it include how is its nature to be defined? But if culture is reflected only in prodigiously diverse forms illustrated, each in its own manner, by the thouss of societies that exist or have existed on earth, are with all these other cultures. forms equivalent or are they open to value judgements, hed on which, to future in generations the affirmative, as a record will of human inevitably experience affect aspirations, the meaning so as to of foster the notion creativity itself in all? its diversity to inspire The essential task taken on by anthropology is ARTICLE 8 Cultural goods services: commodities of a unique kind up to overcome vast prospects the for apparent creation antinomy innovation, between particular the oneness attention must be of paid the human to the diversity condition of the supply the inexhaustible of creative work, plurality to due recognition of of the rights of authors artists to the specificity of cultural goods the services forms in which, which as we vectors apprehend of identity, it. values This task meaning, was present must not be from the outset among UNESCO s concerns has, in the Organization as well, grown in importance. While ensuring the free circulation of ideas works, cultural policies must create conditions conducive to the production dissemination of diversified cultural goods services through cultural industries that have For its part, UNESCO has always recognized the means to assert themselves at the local global level. It is for each policy to implement it through the means it considers fit, whether by CULTURAL DIVERSITY the existence of a link between cultural diversity biodiversity. The 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural Natural Heritage even then brought the two aspects closer together by associating with the cultural heritage habitats of threatened species of animals plants. UNESCO has moreover established worldwide some 500 biosphere reserves to safeguard remarkable cases of biodiversity. ARTICLE 10 Strengthening capacities for creation dissemination worldwide In the face of current imbalances in flows exchanges of cultural goods services at the global level, it is necessary to reinforce international cooperation solidarity aimed at enabling all countries, especially developing countries countries in transition, to establish cultural industries that are viable competitive at national international level. sector civil society Market forces alone cannot guarantee the preservation promotion with the private sector civil society, must be reaffirmed. Over the years, it gave this link ever greater importance in seeking to underst its reasons. UNESCO, by virtue of its mate functions, has the responsibility to: Declaration Cultural into diversity the development biodiversity strategies are, drawn therefore, up within the various b- Serve as a reference point a forum where States, international governmental non-governmental organizations, civil society the private sector may join together in elaborating concepts, objectives c- Pursue its activities in stard-setting, awareness-raising capacitybuilding not just phenomena of the same type. They are intrinsically linked, we are made constantly more aware that, on a human scale, the problem of cultural diversity reflects a much broader problem whose solution is still more urgent, that of the relations between humans other living species; we realize that it would be no use seeking to overcome it in the first instance without also addressing it in the other, given that the respect we wish to obtain from individual human beings towards cultures different from theirs is but one particular case of the respect they should feel for all forms of life. 17

10 18 Committed to the full implementation of the human rights Rights other universally recognized legal instruments, such as the two International Covenants of 1966 relating respectively to civil political rights to economic, social cultural rights, the wide diffusion of culture, the education of humanity for justice liberty peace are indispensable to the dignity of man constitute a concern, Further recalling Article I of the Constitution, which assigns to UNESCO among other purposes that of recommending such international agreements as may be necessary to promote the free flow of ideas by word image, Referring to the provisions relating to cultural diversity the exercise of cultural rights in the international instruments enacted by UNESCO, Reaffirming that culture should be regarded as the set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual emotional features of society or a social group, that it encompasses, in addition to art literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions beliefs, Noting that culture is at the heart of contemporary debates about identity, social cohesion, the development of a knowledge-based economy, Affirming that respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust understing are among the best guarantees of international peace security, diversity, of awareness of the unity of humankind, of the development renewed dialogue among cultures civilizations, Aware of the specific mate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation promotion of capacities that sustain public life. Proclaims the following principles adopts the present Declaration: IDENTITY, DIVERSITY ARTICLE AND PLURALISM Culture takes diverse forms across time space. This diversity is embodied in the uniqueness plurality of the identities of the groups societies making up humankind. As a source of exchange, innovation creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature. In this sense, it is the common heritage of humanity should be recognized affirmed for the benefit of present future generations. interaction among people F r ogroups m with c uplural, lt varied u rdynamic l cultural identities as well as their willingness to live together. Policies for the inclusion participation of all citizens are guarantees of social cohesion, the vitality of civil society peace. d i v e r s it y cultural diversity. Indissociable from a democratic to framework, cultural u lt pluralism uis rconducive a l to cultural exchange to the flourishing of creative capacities that sustain public life. p l u r a li s m ARTICLE 3 Cultural diversity as a factor in development of the roots of development, understood not simply in terms of economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a more satisfactory intellectual, emotional, moral In our spiritual increasingly existence. diverse societies, it is essential to ensure harmonious interaction among people groups with plural, varied dynamic cultural identities as well as their willingness to live together. Policies for the inclusion participation The of defence all citizens of cultural are guarantees diversity is an ethical imperative, inseparable from of social cohesion, the vitality of civil society respect for human peace. dignity. Thus defined, It implies a commitment to human rights cultural pluralism gives policy expression to the reality of cultural minorities those of indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural diversity. Indissociable from a democratic diversity framework, to infringe cultural upon pluralism human rights guaranteed by international law, is conducive to cultural exchange nor to to the limit flourishing their scope. of creative indivisible interdependent. 2 The flourishing of creative diversity requires the full implementation of Rights in Articles of the International Covenant on Economic, Social Cultural Rights. All persons have therefore the right to express themselves to create disseminate their work in the language of their choice, particularly in their mother tongue; all persons are entitled to quality education training that fully respect their cultural identity; all persons have the right to participate in the cultural life of their choice conduct their own cultural practices, subject to respect for While ensuring the free flow of ideas by word image care should be exercised that all cultures can express themselves make themselves Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to art to scientific technological knowledge, including in digital form, the possibility for all cultures to have access to the means of expression Memory selects from the past what seems important for the individual or for the community. It organizes this selection imprints its values on it. Why do we need to remember? Because the past is the very core of our individual or collective identity. If we do not have a sense of our own identity the confirmation of our existence that it provides, we feel threatened paralyzed. The need for an identity is, thus, quite legitimate. We have to know who we are what group we belong to. But people, like groups, live among other people other groups. And so it is not enough simply to say that everyone has the right to exist. We also have to consider how our exercise of this right affects the existence of others. hed on to future generations as a record of human experience aspirations, so as to foster creativity in all its diversity to inspire ARTICLE 8 Cultural goods services: commodities of a unique kind up vast prospects for creation innovation, particular attention must of the rights of authors artists to the specificity of cultural goods services which, as vectors of identity, values meaning, must not be While ensuring the free circulation of ideas works, cultural policies must create conditions conducive to the production dissemination of diversified cultural goods services through cultural industries that have the means to assert themselves at the local global level. It is for each policy to implement it through the means it considers fit, whether by CULTURAL DIVERSITY Tzvetan ARTICLE 10 Strengthening capacities for creation dissemination worldwide In the face of current Todorov imbalances in flows exchanges of cultural goods services at the global level, it is necessary to reinforce international cooperation solidarity aimed at enabling all countries, especially developing countries countries in transition, to establish cultural industries that are viable competitive at national international level. sector civil society Market forces alone cannot guarantee the preservation promotion with the private sector civil society, must be reaffirmed. UNESCO, by virtue of its mate functions, has the responsibility to: b- Serve as a reference point a forum where States, international governmental non-governmental organizations, civil society the private sector may join together in elaborating concepts, objectives c- Pursue its activities in stard-setting, awareness-raising capacitybuilding 19