2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
The Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted in 2005 by the UNESCO General Conference, is a binding international legal instrument. Its goal is to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions, particularly as embodied and conveyed in cultural activities, goods and services, which are the vehicles of contemporary culture. It sets out to create a legal framework favourable to all with regard to the production, distribution/dissemination, access to and enjoyment of a wide range of cultural expressions of diverse origin.
The Convention highlights the decisive role of cultural policies and defines the rights and obligations of Parties with regard to the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions, both nationally and internationally. States have agreed on the urgent need for this instrument, given that the accelerating processes of globalization tend to heighten the disparities between those countries lacking and those possessing the capacity to create, produce and disseminate their cultural expressions.
For more information, visit the website of the 2005 Convention.