All States Parties to the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Diversity are required to undertake regular research and analysis of the policies and measures that have been implemented to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions at the national level through a periodic report . . This allows countries to assess the impact of policy change on the creative and cultural industries, set priorities and identify where further human and financial resources are needed. It also presents a unique opportunity to establish a political dialogue between governments and civil society actors, enabling a wide range of actors to contribute to the elaboration of public policies for creativity.
However, many Parties to the 2005 Convention, particularly SIDS, struggle to compile this type of policy analysis. They may lack relevant data or information required for evidence-based and transparent policy-making or have limited capacity to evaluate and monitor the impact of policies and measures implemented that ultimately lead to the development of creative economy and the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. Of the 28 Parties that have never submitted a periodic report, 40% are SIDS.
During the workshop, participants managed to better understand the purpose and participatory processes related to this monitoring exercise and could relate the general principles of the 2005 Convention to the achievements and impact. The workshops also promoted peer learning between countries and in particular South-South cooperation. For example, by hearing the experiences of Burkina Faso, Jamaica and Peru, participants learned about similar challenges other countries face in developing the Report and how they can be overcome. The successful completion of the Report was also highlighted for how it led to concrete actions at the national level within these countries, which encouraged the inclusive and sustainable development of the creative economy and had positive results for artists and cultural professionals.
This online training was just the first step of the SIDS capacity building program. Following this workshop, interested countries will receive funding and assistance, upon request, to hold multi-stakeholder consultations and capacity-building workshops to improve data collection and policy monitoring within their countries.
