Canada Takes Part in the Fourth Meeting of the International Network on Cultural Policy in Switzerland
LUCERNE, September 25, 2001 -- Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps is pleased with the Canadian delegation's contribution to the fourth meeting of the International Network on Cultural Policy, held in Lucerne, Switzerland, September 24, 25 and 26. Minister Copps, who headed the Canadian delegation, was accompanied by Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications, Diane Lemieux.Chaired by the Head of Switzerland's Department of Home Affairs, Ruth Dreifuss, the fourth meeting of the International Network focussed on three themes: integration of cultural diversity, cultural diversity and globalization, and the new role of governments in regards to cultural policy.
Participants, having agreed on the importance for states and governments to safeguard their right to establish and implement cultural policies and promote cultural diversity, decided on the need to pursue the work undertaken, in order to define the nature and significance of an international instrument to this end. They indicated their intention to carry on their work and proceed with the conception stage now that an agreement had been reached on the main principles of this international instrument.
"The work we have undertaken as Ministers responsible for culture since the foundation of the Network in Ottawa, in 1998, has been successful. We have established a solid dialogue on the best means to ensure the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity worldwide. We have also encouraged comprehension and respect of cultures that make up the originality and richness of each voice in this concert of nations. Canada has also shared with the majority of the participating Ministers the idea of developing an international instrument. Never has it been so important for humanity's future to promote mutual respect of cultures and tolerance," indicated Minister Copps.
The task force on cultural diversity and globalization was created in Oaxaca, Mexico, at the second meeting of the International Network on Cultural Policy, and chaired by Canada. It received the mandate from the participating Ministers of presenting, before the Network's next meeting, a draft document regarding this new international instrument.
Furthermore, during the course of the upcoming year, Switzerland has offered to lead a study group on the issues of governance affecting the International Network on Cultural Policy and the establishment of the instrument. Canada intends on participating in this study.
Non-government organizations also took part in a conference held parallel to the fourth meeting of the International Network on Cultural Policy, in order to bring together all the vital forces of the cultural milieu and ask for their outlook in the development of the new international instrument.
The Network on Cultural Policy, a Canadian initiative, was created in Ottawa in 1998. The purpose of this Network, which presently brings together 45 countries and represents all the main regions in the world, is to facilitate dialogue on issues related to cultural diversity in the context of globalization, and suggest leads for solutions.
The Network will meet next in South Africa in 2002, in Croatia in 2003, in Tunisia in 2004 and in Armenia in 2005.
Information:
Joseph Kira
Director of Communications
Office of Minister of Canadian Heritage
(819) 997-7788
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