UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions

Building Cultural Capacity – the contribution of Parliamentarians

Christine M. Merkel, German National Commission for UNESCO

Public awareness – democratic governance Develop strategic capacities in cultural public sector institutions

•An enabling environment for cultural diversity •to be built and sustained in one‘s own territory•Make the Convention work at home – monitor the effects•„Learning leadership“ – professional analysis and exchange (Karl Deutsch)

German Bundestag – Enquete Kommission „Kultur in Deutschland“ Spring 2003 - December 15, 2005 – early 2008

Mandate (as of December 2005): Culture as constitutional objective•Public and private funding of the arts and culture•Economic and social situations of artists•Cultural economy - creative economy•Arts education in a lifelong learning perspective•Culture in Europe – Culture in the Context of Globalisation

Culture in Europe – Culture in the Context of Culture in Europe – Culture in the Context of GlobalisationGlobalisationa NEW chapter in the work of the Commissiona NEW chapter in the work of the Commission 50 % MPs, 50 % Experts; hearings, consultations 50 % MPs, 50 % Experts; hearings, consultations

Assessments ! Work in progress Bundestag Plenary 10.12.07!•Quantum leap – momentum of accelerated learning (1972) (2005)•Use provisions of 2005 UNESCO Convention as a benchmark •Intermediary roles very important (NAC, Coalition f Clt Div, clt org)•Cultural Capitals of Europe a light-house (100 million citizens…)•Involve young generation(s), fresh ideas, new clt expressions•Bring the cultural impact clause of the Amsterdam treaty to life

The impact of globalisation on culture in Germany

Recommendations! Work in progress Bundestag 10.12.07!•Fed Gvnmt + 16 State Gvnmts to develop X-ray - 2010•European film - ARTE Europe – VOICE of Europe •Support Joint Cultural Fund European Union – ACP-states•Create substantial Forum f Pan-European Cultural Dialogue•Support Intermediary role of German NAC

Prospects of Cultural Diversity - Capacity building and responsibility of Parliamentarians (Bernier 2006): May 21 - a day for debate

•E.g. bilateral German-French working group of MPs (2005/2007)•E.g.international bodies, transnational networks of MPs (IPU)•International Parliamentary Assemblies e.g. Francophonie, Commonwealth, the Americas (OAS), Council of Europe•European Parliament (directly elected MEPs)

JUST RELEASED Book Cultural Diversity – Our Common wealth. The Essen/ RUHR.2010 Bellini Manual On Prospects of Cultural Diversity

Christine M. Merkel, Head of the Division for Culture and Communication (Memory of the World)German Commission for UNESCOmerkel@unesco.de For more info: www.bundestag.de www.unesco.de