Québec Declaration on the Commitment of the Parliamentarians of La Francophonie to Implement the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the

Transcription

1 Québec Declaration on the Commitment of the Parliamentarians of La Francophonie to Implement the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions February 3,

2 The members of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF), gathered in the city of Québec on February 2 and 3, 2011, on the invitation of Yvon Vallières, Chair of the APF and President of the National Assembly of Québec, on the occasion of the Inter-parliamentary Conference on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, 1. Considering that culture is a cornerstone of the identity and genius of every people and that cultural diversity constitutes a common heritage of humanity that must be cherished and preserved for the benefit of all; 2. Considering that cultural activities, goods and services are not common consumer goods, for they convey values, identity and meaning beyond their commercial dimension; 3. Affirming that culture is the fourth pillar of sustainable development after economic development, social development and environmental protection, as recognized at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg and reaffirmed by the heads of State and government of La Francophonie at the 10th Summit of La Francophonie held in Ouagadougou in 2004; 4. Recalling the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity for the full expression of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the central role of education in the protection and promotion of cultural expressions; 5. Embracing the objectives of UNESCO s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted in 2005, which underscores the need to incorporate culture as a strategic element in national and international development policies ; 6. Recalling that, among the guiding principles of the Convention, defined in its article 2, the guarantee of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential condition for the protection of cultural diversity and creation; 7. Noting with satisfaction that the Convention has been ratified by 115 States to date; 8. Hailing UNESCO s role in designing and developing this international legal instrument with the committed and active support of the institutions and members of La Francophonie; 9. Hailing the key role played by UNESCO s Conference of Parties and Intergovernmental Committee in formulating and adopting operational guidelines which constitute a crucial step in implementing the Convention; 2

3 10. Highlighting the work that remains to be done to fully implement the Convention and uphold its fundamental principles in all bilateral and multilateral commercial negotiations; 11. Recalling that cultural diversity, dialogue between cultures and cultural co-operation are among the founding principles of La Francophonie and the APF, and that the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions was confirmed as a priority by the heads of State and government of La Francophonie at the 8th Summit, held in Moncton in 1999; 12. Recalling that the diversity of cultural expressions is an issue of great importance to the parliamentarians of La Francophonie and acknowledging the APF s work to monitor implementation of the Convention; 13. Recalling that La Francophonie must continue to play a strategic role in protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions, as it did to promote and adopt the Convention; 14. Hailing the partnership between UNESCO and the APF, particularly with respect to the diversity of cultural expressions; 15. Considering that the tremendous cultural potential of developing countries should be further promoted on the international stage; 16. Highlighting the fundamental contribution of civil society in establishing international cultural law and recalling its vital participation in the Convention implementation process; 17. Concerned about the potential impact of certain provisions of commercial accords on respect for the principles and rights recognized by the Convention and on its implementation; 18. Reaffirming the fundamental role of States and governments in protecting, defending and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions; 19. Acknowledging the importance of public policies, programs and measures in support of cultural creators and industries for the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions; 20. Considering that scientific culture leads to greater understanding of the world and, consequently, of the issues related to cultural diversity; *** 3

4 21. Reiterate their unfailing commitment to and support of UNESCO S Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions; 22. Undertake to initiate and support adhesion to or ratification of the Convention, as applicable; to initiate and support passage of legislation to translate the objectives and principles of the Convention into concrete action; to pass legislation to promote the diversity of cultural expressions and the development of cultural industries, in particular through the creation of assistance and support organizations; tax and other financial incentives; guaranteed financing and public-private partnerships; sponsorship and patronage; the development of copyright-based cultural enterprises on a more competitive regional level; special status for artists; the development of high-quality professional training; the implementation of market regulation measures; measures to promote the competitiveness of Francophone cultural industries; the guaranteed independence of creators; measures to ensure public access to national cultural products and services; to monitor implementation of the Convention; to monitor commercial negotiations relating to culture and ensure that the Convention is taken into account in such negotiations; to disseminate this declaration in the various national, regional and international parliamentary institutions; to prepare an action plan, through the intermediary of the Education, Communication and Cultural Affairs Committee (CECAC), in order to promote the Convention within La Francophonie and contribute to its implementation; 4

5 22.8. to have CECAC, in collaboration with UNESCO, examine the possibility of creating a virtual framework for sharing best practices and organizing parliamentary seminars to follow up on the Convention; 23. Invite UNESCO to actively promote the adoption of national policies and programs to raise awareness of and support cultural expressions; to inform and regularly consult parliamentarians, particularly the APF, with respect to implementation and follow-up of the Convention, given their role in enacting national legislation relating to the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions; to rely on the strength of committed parliamentary groups; 24. Request all State and government leaders to adopt, ratify and implement the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions; to foster in their jurisdictions, through appropriate policies and measures, the flourishing of the cultural expressions of the populations they represent; to bring the whole weight of the Convention to bear in commercial negotiations in order to defend their rights and establish or maintain policies and measures in support of cultural expressions; to contribute annually to UNESCO s International Fund for Cultural Diversity, at a rate of 1% of their annual UNESCO contribution; to promote knowledge and technology transfer, and support by northern countries for the cultural industries of southern countries; to consider culture especially its transversal dimension as a sustainable development tool. This requires reinforcing the existing synergies between cultural, educational, social, youth, and international co-operation policies; to strengthen dialogue and the free flow of ideas in order to foster the mutual enrichment of cultures; 5

6 24.8. to conduct campaigns, with the collaboration of cultural and economic organizations, to enhance awareness of the diversity of cultural expressions; to promote the participation of civil society in the development and implementation of policies to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions; to support civil society initiatives aimed at cultural development and the transfer of knowledge in the cultural sector; to actively support co-operation with respect to development in order to give preferential treatment both to artists, professionals and practitioners in the cultural sector, in particular with respect to mobility, and to the cultural goods and services of developing countries; 25. Request the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) to take an inventory of, and examine and evaluate, the cultural policies and programs implemented by its member States and governments in order to create a forum for the exchange of cultural expertise and know-how within the countries of La Francophonie; to follow up, using the expertise of parliamentarians and in particular the APF, on bilateral, regional and multilateral commercial negotiations involving members of La Francophonie that have ratified the Convention, so as to encourage consideration for the objectives and principles of the Convention in those negotiations; to make every effort to ensure that the diversity of cultural expressions remains a priority for the heads of State and government of La Francophonie. 6