Diversity of Cultural Expressions
Transforming Societies.
Celebrating 20 years of empowering creativity
The time to invest in creativity is now !
Culture and creativity are the heartbeat of our societies, and we need them now more than ever. With so many crises around the world – from climate change to conflict and COVID-19 – people need moments to connect, come together, understand each other, and imagine better futures. Music, art, literature, cinema, dance and many more forms of cultural and creative expressions drive the momentum we need to overcome the challenges we face.
Statutory meetings
All the countries that have ratified the “2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions” are called “Parties” and together form “the Conference of Parties”. Twenty-four representatives from all regions of the world are elected to an executive body called the “Intergovernmental Committee”.
This new UNESCO-Khalili Foundation film "A Thousand Colours" aims to humanize the notion of cultural diversity. Why is cultural diversity important? What are some of the current challenges that undermine it? And what can we do to protect and promote cultural diversity? These are some of the questions addressed by the short film, which gathers testimonies from a number of key global actors including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors and advocates.
Publications
This publication highlights the trends of Africa’s book industry and provides valuable insights to inform evidence‑based policymaking across the sector. It also proposes strategic recommendations aimed at developing the African book industry, while ensuring that Africans can shape their own narratives and safeguard Africa’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
Artists are the driving force behind creativity, fostering a sense of belonging and economic values. The UNESCO 1980 Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist has contributed to better responding to their specific needs. The fifth global consultation on the implementation of the Recommendation demonstrates the ongoing actions of UNESCO to protect the status of artists.
This publication gives a snapshot of the trends shaping the African fashion sector, the challenges hindering its growth, and its opportunities for growth. As a tool for reflection and action, it is an open invitation to African policymakers and fashion sector professionals to come together for further dialogue and for reinforced and concerted action in favour of the fashion sector.
Key data
in 2019 (a twofold increase since 2015)
or 6.2% of all employment worldwide
in the cultural and entertainment sector