CULTURE

2005 Convention

Adopted in 2005, the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is a binding international legal instrument. On 18 March 2007, it entered into force.

The Convention seeks to strengthen the five inseparable links of the same chain: creation, production, distribution/dissemination, access and enjoyment of cultural expressions, as conveyed by cultural activities, goods and services.

In particular, the Convention aims to:

  • reaffirm the sovereign right of States to draw up cultural policies
  • recognize the specific nature of cultural goods and services as vehicles of identity, values and meaning
  • strengthen international cooperation and solidarity so as to favour the cultural expressions of all countries

Along with the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, this Convention is one of the three pillars of the preservation and promotion of creative diversity.

  • Information kit (pdf 5.5MB):
    • 10 Keys to understanding the Convention
    • 30 Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Convention


creativity convention Protection Promotion Diversity cultural expressions


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