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A strong UNESCO-EU partnership supports cultural and creative industries
Since 2011, UNESCO and the European Union have assisted governments in the Global South to develop robust, evidence-based cultural policies through joint initiatives. Notably, the EU/UNESCO Technical Assistance Programme has benefited 33 countries and provided peer-to-peer learning opportunities for cultural institutions, on-the-job training for cultural professionals, and support to develop CCI development strategies.
During the celebratory event, UNESCO and the European Union reaffirmed their shared dedication to empowering cultural actors and ensuring that creativity remains a driving force for a more inclusive and equitable society.
The event, which took place on the margins of the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, welcomed beneficiaries of the EU/UNESCO programme from C么te d鈥橧voire, Panama, Viet Nam, and Zimbabwe on the panel. They shared their progress in developing policies that are rooted in the local context and that respond to the needs of the artists.
In Viet Nam, new regulatory frameworks have been developed or revised, including the laws on cinema and intellectual property, or the development of the national target programme on culture, which includes a major component on the creative economy. Hai Van Tran from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, 鈥淚nternational collaboration is crucial, and the role of UNESCO, the EU, and other partners is indispensable, particularly on the road to MONDIACULT 2025, in putting culture and creativity at the heart of sustainable development.鈥
In Panama, a dedicated policy unit now integrates culture into national development strategies, demonstrating a firm commitment to harnessing creativity for socio-economic growth. L谩zaro Israel Rodr铆guez Oliva, member of the fourth cohort of the EU/UNESCO Expert Facility, said: 鈥淯NESCO is a strong partner to reach effective dialogues avoiding risks of difficult conversations. At the same time, the European Union commitment to the 2005 Convention and its regional implementation reinforces the value of the convention itself for international cooperation and inspires other intergovernmental organizations.鈥
When we accompany the development of cultural governance, the policies and measures are not the end. Our success is defined by improved working conditions of artists and enhanced access to culture by the public. The UNESCO-EU partnership has produced lasting changes which have trickled down to people, allowing greater exercise of their cultural rights.
The cultural and creative industries are one of the most powerful engines of sustainable development worldwide. The formulation of the right set of policies and laws is necessary to improve decision-making but also to raise the understanding of the cultural, social, and economic values of these industries
The event also featured a musical performance by Hope Masike, a singer-songwriter and mbira player from Zimbabwe. 鈥淭he inclusion of cultural practitioners in policymaking is essential. The principle of ubuntu鈥攐ur shared knowledge and mutual support鈥攕hould also be embraced. Participatory policymaking and a spirit of togetherness must continue to guide our efforts.鈥
Looking ahead, the UNESCO-EU partnership will contribute to global cultural policy discussions at MONDIACULT 2025, spotlighting how culture and creativity can drive sustainable development worldwide.
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