United Nations

Cultural Organization

Diversity ofCultural Expressions

EMPOWERINGARTISTS andCREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

Promoting the Right to Arts and Culture forSustainable Development through the 2005Convention on the Protection and Promotion ofthe Diversity of Cultural Expressions

MOBILIZING FORSUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT

inPakistan

TRIPARTITE PARTNERSHIP - THE GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN, CKUAND UNESCO

THE DANISH CENTRE FOR CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT (CKU) IS FUNDING A UNESCO PROJECT TOEMPOWER GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY ACTORS IN PAKISTAN TO TAKE PART IN PARTICIPATORYPOLICY MAKING FOR CULTURE AND RAISE THEIR AWARENESS ABOUT THE UNESCO 2005 CONVENTIONON THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE DIVERSITY OF CULTURAL EXPRESSIONS.

The project highlights the importance of a rights-based approach to arts and culture and highlightsthe role of arts and culture in fostering internationalcooperation, peace and sustainable development.CKU’s support actively contributes to ensuring theaccess and participation of women, youth andmarginalized groups in cultural activities, particularlythose that have the potential to create sustainableemployment and economic development.

The project consists of the following activities:

A Extensive one-to-one meetings and group discus-sions with a wide range of stakeholders, awareness-raising dialogues and desk research, resulting ina comprehensive Situational Analysis reflectingthe circumstances that both foster and inhibitthe development of Pakistan’s creative economy

A Identification of policy/coordination/funding gaps,opportunities and challenges

A Networking with approximately 300 stakeholders

A Consultation meetings in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabadwith over 100 stakeholders (government officials,academia, representatives of cultural institutions)

A Training of over 30 young creative entrepreneurs oncreative economy in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad

A Outreach among youth and people with disability

A Initial creation of a working group on culturalpolicy in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

A Training workshops in Peshawar and Karachi onthe elaboration of policies for the creativesectors

A High-level conferences in Islamabad ‘CreativeEconomy and Sustainable Development inPakistan: The UNESCO 2005 Convention on theProtection and Promotion of the Diversity ofCultural Expressions’

A Information sharing and policy recommendationon future cultural policies by stakeholders

As both the federal and provincial governments arekeen to learn more about the contribution of creativesectors to socio-economic growth and job creation(especially for youth), the project contributes to on-going policy discussion within Pakistan. Indeed, arts,culture and creativity are a powerful force for bringingpeople together to foster intercultural cooperation,social inclusion/cohesion, peace and sustainabledevelopment in society. It is also pertinent consideringthe responsibility of federal and provincial authoritiesin sustaining the creative sectors.

DiversityPrivate and public partnership

Gender equality

Digital technology Social media

C u l t u r a l a c c e s s

Artists Creative economy

Civi l societyI n n o v a t i o n

Design

C r e a t i v e e n t r e p r e n e u r s

Cu l tu ra l goods and se rv i ces

Policies for the creative sector

Employment opportunity for youth

Cultural and creative industries (CCI)

C re a t i ve d i v i d e n d

Cultural consumers

Income generation

© Inés Esnal/Studio Esnal,

Pri

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PAKISTAN & CREATIVE SECTOR

In the last 20 years, the cultural and creative indus-tries have seen impressive growth. They are one ofthe fastest growing sectors in the world, creatingnearly 30 million jobs worldwide. Even as recessiongripped many parts of the world, the culture andcreative sectors remained resilient, contributing toover 6% of the global economy today and worth anestimated US$ 4.3 trillion per year. They employmore people aged 15-29 years old than any othersector.

In the increasingly globalized world, Pakistan pos-sesses a unique opportunity thanks to both itsestablished and emerging creative sectors. Accordingto UNESCO figures, Pakistan’s total exports of culturalgoods have increased from US$ 60 million in 2004to US$ 437 million in 2013 and cultural employmentrepresents nearly 8 % of all employment in Pakistan.On the other hand, Pakistan increased imports ofcultural goods from US$ 41.6 million in 2004 to US$72.35 million in 2013. The development of appropriatepolicies and measures would help further develop

Pakistan’s creative sectors, especially in major citieswhere the contemporary art scene is growing quickly.Taking advantage of the creative sectors’ potentialcould have a major impact on national economicgrowth and job creation, and increase cultural participation in Pakistan.

Access to information today is increasingly providedvia digital platforms on 3G and 4G mobile phone net-works or Wi-Fi connections. Pakistani connectivityvia mobile phone grew from 13 million in 2014 to over26 million in 2016. With 39% of Pakistan’s populationunder the age of 15, this mobile digital revolution isan opportunity for Pakistan to leap the digital dividewith other nations and develop its domestic marketfor diverse creative goods and services.

Creative entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in developing Pakistan’s creative sector and enablingaccess to diverse cultural expressions, especiallyconsidering the limited funding generally availablefor arts and culture.

• While Pakistan is a State Party to otherUNESCO culture conventions1, it has notyet ratified the 2005 Convention.

• To date, Pakistan does not have acultural policy. Although a culturalpolicy was formulated in 1995 and hasbeen revised since, the final draft wasnever approved. In 2010, culture wasdevolved to provinces, and so far, noprovince has adopted its provincialpolicy for culture.

• About 40 % of Pakistan’s population of189 million, i.e., 70 million people, isconsidered middle class.

• Almost 80 % of Pakistani homes havetelevisions.

• Over 67 % of Pakistan’s population arebelow the age of 30.

DID YOU KNOW

1 Pakistan is a State Party to the following UNESCO culture conventions : 2003 Convention for theSafeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ratified in 2005); 1972 Convention Concerningthe Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (ratified in 1976); 1970 Convention onthe Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership ofCultural Property (ratified in 1981); and 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property inthe Event of Armed Conflict with Regulations for the Execution of the Convention (ratified in 1959).

CULTURE AND CREATIVITY ARE INCREASINGLY SEEN AS AN ENABLER AND DRIVER OF SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT.

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GOALS AND MONITORING AR

WHAT IS THE UNESCO 2005 CONVENTION?

The 2005 Convention on the Protection andPromotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is the first international treaty torecognize the sovereign right of States to adoptpolicies and measures to protect and promotethe diversity of cultural expressions. The core ofthe 2005 Convention is to recognize the dualnature of cultural goods and services. Films,music, books and the myriad of other contem-porary creative expressions produced by artistsand cultural professionals worldwide are morethan mere commodities. They also carry meaningand values, shape opinions and foster mutualunderstanding.

As the cultural and creative sectors grow inprosperity alongside the promise of technology,

new job opportunities, better incomes and morediverse expressions are emerging. So too are newand persistent challenges. How can countries,regions and the global community ensure the freeflow of diverse expressions when access totraining, networks, infrastructure, and technologyis insufficient?

In this context, the 2005 Convention is more impor-tant than ever. The 144 Parties (and counting) thathave ratified the Convention are using it to helpcreate dynamic creative sectors. They are develop-ing sound policies and strategies to support everystage of the value chain, involving not just thecultural sector, but reaching across economicdevelopment, employment, finance, education,and many more.

SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS OF GOVERNANCE FOR CULTURE

cultural policies; public service media; digitalenvironment; partnering with civil society

mobility of artists and cultural professionals; flow ofcultural goods and services; international treaties andagreements on culture and trade

MONITORINGAREAS:MONITORING

AREAS:

� The Convention is about encouraging the balance of trade in cultural goods and services worldwide. The global trade incultural goods and services totalled a record US$ 624 billion in2011. While exports of cultural goods by developing countrieshave increased exponentially, there are still imbalances betweenimports and exports of cultural goods and services from the globalNorth and the global South. Parties to the Convention have agreedto level the playing field to ensure that a diversity of culturalexpressions can flow and be enjoyed, and so that the economicbenefits can be shared more equally. This means thatpreferential treatment measures must be taken to enable artistsfrom developing countries, to travel more easily in order to sharetheir creativity, knowledge and to learn new skills. Parties arealso introducing preferential treatment measures that allowdeveloping countries’ cultural goods and services to reach widermarkets.

ACHIEVE A BALANCED FLOW OFCULTURAL GOODS AND SERVICES ANDINCREASE THE MOBILITY OF ARTISTS AND CULTURAL PROFESSIONALS

� The Convention is about fostering positive environments wherecreativity can flourish and diverse cultural expressions can beexchanged. This involves calling on governments to introducepolicies that nurture the value chain and enable artists toparticipate in local, national and international markets. It alsoinvolves making it easier to access diverse cultural goods, servicesand activities – be they films, music, or television programs.Specific policies and measures are needed to support diverseforms of creativity and to address emerging challenges, such asthe impact of digital technology on the value chain.

� Civil society is a key player. A global movement of artists, culturalprofessionals and non-governmental organizations operating in thecultural field were instrumental in the creation of the Convention. Theycontinue to be a driving force in its implementation and for awareness-raising. The Convention calls on governments to involve civil societyat all stages of policy design and roll-out.

GOAL

2GOAL

1

EAS of the 2005 Convent ion

Through the 2005 Convention, civil society’sessential role in shaping and implementing effectivepolicies and measures is increasingly being recog-nized and understood. Innovative partnershipsthat bring together government, civil society andthe private sector are demonstrating how culturaland creative enterprises can thrive.

At the international level, the Convention continuesto be instrumental in promoting a balance betweenthe global North and the global South in the globalmarket for cultural goods and services.

INTEGRATE CULTURE IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTFRAMEWORKS

national sustainable development policies and plans;international sustainable development programmes

PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS

gender equality; artistic freedom

� The Convention is about promoting culture and creativity as anintegral component of sustainable development. Culture can driveeconomic and social development by creating jobs, generatingincomes, sparking innovation, contributing to the wellbeing ofcommunities, giving voice to different groups and thereby fosteringmutual understanding and social cohesion.

� There is considerable scope for donor countries to promote theintegration of culture in sustainable development in the globalSouth through their Official Development Assistance (ODA)strategies and programmes; a particular avenue for suchassistance is through technical assistance and expertise to helpovercome disadvantage in recipient countries’ access to newinformation and communications technologies, and to promote theconnectivity essential for developing countries’ participation ininternational markets for their cultural goods and services.

� Diversity of cultural expressions can be promoted only if humanrights and fundamental freedoms are guaranteed. Respect forhuman rights and the fundamental freedoms of expression,information and communication are considered prerequisites forcreating and distributing diverse cultural expressions. For thisreason, Parties have agreed not to invoke the Convention in amanner that would infringe on related international and nationallegislation. Such legislation fosters a climate that encourages thefreedom of expression for artists and cultural professionals. Thisalso means that the social and economic rights of artists areensured. To promote the diversity of cultural expressions, genderequality is also to be promoted through a legislative frameworkto support women as creators and producers of cultural goods andservices.

MONITORINGAREAS:

MONITORINGAREAS:

Value Chain

Creation

Production

Distribution/Dissemination

Access/

Enjoyment

A new way of thinking about contemporaryculture is opening up a world of creativepossibilities for everyone.

GOAL

4GOAL

3

UNESCO

supports the work of the Conference of Par-ties and the Intergovernmental Committeeand ensures that these bodies’ decisions areapplied. It facilitates the effective implemen-tation of the Convention by promotinginformation sharing and transparency at theglobal level and by strengthening the capac-ities of Parties at the country level to designpolicies, measures and programmes thathave a direct impact on the creation, produc-tion, distribution and enjoyment of a diversityof cultural expressions.

CIVIL SOCIETY

participates in the work of the governingbodies as observers and works closelywith the UNESCO Secretariat to raiseawareness of the Convention worldwideand provide expertise to inform information-sharing activities.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE

is the operational body responsible forpromoting the objectives of the Conven-tion, and for monitoring how it is applied.Its 24 members are elected by the Confe-rence of Parties and meets every year toimplement the decisions made by theConference of Parties.

CONFERENCE OF PARTIES

is the assembly of all Parties to theConvention and the plenary and supremedecision-making body, meets every twoyears and takes key management, opera-tional and strategic decisions.

The Basic Texts of the 2005 Convention2

provides the following set of documents thatgovern the implementation of the Convention:

� Text of the 2005 Convention

� Operational Guidelines which are a set oftexts elaborated by the IntergovernmentalCommittee and approved by the Conferenceof Parties, providing general guidelines forthe implementation and application of theprovisions of the Convention. They are to beconsidered as a “roadmap” for understand-ing, interpreting and implementing specificarticles of the Convention

� Rules of Procedure of the Conference ofParties and of the Intergovernmental Com-mittee

� Financial Regulations of the InternationalFund for Cultural Diversity

4 KEY BODIES THAT MAKE THE 2005CONVENTION WORK

2 http://en.unesco.org/creativity/sites/creativity/files/convention2005_basictext_en.pdf© Blackwood Gallery/Darsha Hew

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SDG 8.3: decent job creation, entrepreneurs

hip, creativity and innovation SDG 10.a: special and differencial

treatment for developing countriestrepreneurs

SDG 4: technical and vocational

skills for employment

ial

SDG 5.c: policies and legislation

on gender equality

SDG 11.3: capacity for participatory, integrated

and sustainable human settlement planning

SDG 16.10: public access to information

and protection of fundamental freedoms

SDG 16.7: inclusive, participatory and

representative decision making

SDG 17.19: measurements of progress on

sustainable development and statistical

capacity-building

WHY RATIFY THE 2005 CONVENTION?

A To assert the sovereign right of Parties to create policies for the creative sector

A To access expertise from the network of international experts and funding available fromthe International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD)

A To promote international cooperation

A To belong to an international community to advance the global agenda of culture anddevelopment

A To participate in sharing of information and innovative policy practices

A To promote a more balanced flow of cultural goods and services across the world

A To enter into new market and create new networks

The 2005 Convention is recognized as a key policy framework to implement the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Covering various main policy areas, the Convention pursues four overarching goals that directlycontribute to the 2030 SDG agenda.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE 2030 AGENDA FOR SUSTAINABLEDEVELOPMENT

WHY UNESCO?UNESCO is the only UN agency with a mandatein culture. Over the years, it has developed aseries of standard-setting instruments forculture. Unlike other UNESCO heritage-relatedconventions, the 2005 Convention on theProtection and Promotion of the Diversity ofCultural Expressions is the first of its kind thatprovides a policy framework for contemporarycreativity and the governance for culture.

UNESCO Office in Islamabad

UNESCO office 7th floorSerena business complexKhayaban e SuharwardiSector G-5/1 Islamabad

E-mail: j.aziz@unesco.org

Diversity of Cultural Expressions SectionDivision of CreativityCulture Sector – UNESCO

7, Place de Fontenoy75352 Paris 07 SP, France

E-mail: convention2005@unesco.orgWebsite: en.unesco.org/creativity/Follow us on Twitter: #supportcreativity

A key part of making the 2005 Conventionwork is to raise awareness about it anddemonstrate how stakeholders can use it toachieve social and economic progress

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