03/07/2007

The first Conference of Parties (the term “Parties” refers to the signatory countries and regions of the Convention on Cultural Diversity*) was held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris from June 18-20.

Since some countries expressed their concerns at previous preparatory meetings about proper geographical representation (see news), the debates set out to establish a balanced representation. By the end of the Conference, the number of parties having ratified the treaty had reached 62.

Signatories included 11 African and 30 European countries (including 20 EU Member States) but only three Arab and two Asian states (albeit the important ones, India and China). The aim is to attract further signatories in order to increase the number of ratifications by 80, thereby reaching the number needed for greater regional representation.

The stated aim was to meet the current configuration while at the same time organising a future one at the first Intergovernmental Committee of 24 members (or the executive office of the Conference of Parties), which according to UNESCO General Rules consists of six regional geographic groups from four different countries, to be renewed every four years. For example, at present some regional groups such as the “Asian group” and the “Arab group” do not (yet) have four countries.

The possibility of redistribution halfway through is foreseen: in two years half of the member countries (12 already chosen by lottery**) can be renewed in order to give one seat to the others, if necessary.

This is an unusual, yet diplomatic procedure which, for Belgian government expert Henri Benkoski, "has the great merit of giving the continuation of the project a breath of fresh air since by doing so we can guarantee the possibility of extension for sufficient representation with countries that yet have to ratify".

Contrary to fears expressed at the start, the allocation of these terms went smoothly and even invited some applause. As Canada was the first country to ratify, it is Ottawa which will host the inaugural session of the first Intergovernmental Committee on December 10 (although in principle the committees will be held in Paris).

It was also decided that the International Fund (strongly requested by the countries of the South) will have the status of a “Special Account” under the terms of UNESCO’s Financial Regulations, which will make it easier for the Parties and even third parties to contribute.

The European Commission has announced that it will allocate €30m between now and 2013, requesting members from the civil sector to help decide on the destination. France has promised to make a yearly contribution of €150,000, while Germany will transfer a first share of €50,000 but is aiming to make an annual contribution of 1% to UNESCO.

South Africa raised the issue of circulation and distribution of cultural products by emphasising the absolute necessity of budgets for the promotion and communication of works. Several countries have insisted on co-operation, especially on the necessary creation of cultural frameworks, not only in Southern countries but also in the North.

*"Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions"

** Elected for four years: Germany, Luxembourg, Greece, Lithuania, Croatia, Mexico, Saint-Lucia, India, South Africa, Maurice, Senegal, Oman.

Elected for two years (possibility of extension): Canada, France, Austria, Finland, Albania, Slovenia, Brazil, Guatemala, China, Burkina Faso, Mali, Tunisia.

(Translated from French)