Copps reiterates need for cultural diversity

Canadian Heritage minister Sheila Copps spoke about the importance of preserving cultural diversity last month at the annual meeting of the Réseau français de coopération et d’action culturelle dans le monde. Her plans for cultural diversity includes the adoption of a legal instrument on cultural diversity. Below is an excerpt from her July 18 speech given in Paris. The full text is located here. …Accordingly it is in the interest of governments to help culture flourish and to protect it – just as they do biodiversity, for example. Ten years ago in Rio, the international community recognized the importance of preserving biological diversity. Isn’t it time to promote what is the essence of humankind – our creativity and imagination – and by doing so to stimulate the unique way in which we each express ourselves? As you know, governments do not shoot films, write books or compose music. On the other hand, governments can encourage, promote and facilitate cultural expression, which arises from and engenders diversity. By the same token, they have a duty to reserve a place for the stories and histories of their citizens. In Canada, we believe that cultures can draw sustenance from each other. We believe that they must have a say in decision making. That they must be able to resonate to the furthest echo... Now more than ever, we must listen and take the time to appreciate properly our different cultures...Cultural diversity may not appear in the list of economic indicators of development. But it plays a key role in the age of the New Economy. Respect for diversity is a synonym for innovation, for social development, for creativity and renewal in each of our countries. It is the promise of a better quality of life for our communities. It guarantees a better appreciation of each other. Acceptance of diversity makes nations more open, accessible and democratic. Diversity is increasingly on the agenda at major international meetings. We defend it with passion on the international stage... But we must also defend cultural diversity within each of our countries. We must encourage expression of our multiple cultures. ...How can we ensure that the diversity that is a feature of our world is protected and can flourish? How can we ensure that technology reflects the diversity of our planet?...Like you, Canadians are fond of cultural products from abroad. But they also want to have access to their own culture...We must act now if we want children here and in other countries to be able to see their own reality reflected when they open a book, turn on the television or computer, or go to see a movie. We believe that they must have their own means of expression, and must have access to the cultural wealth of their country. We also believe that they must be able to contribute to the culture of their country by drawing on their collective memory and their imagination. ...Canada chairs the Working Group on Cultural Diversity and Globalization, which – together with some 15 countries, including France – is now working to develop this much-needed instrument (of cultural diversity). The instrument will give us greater latitude in maintaining and developing cultural policies in a time of ongoing trade liberalization. It seeks to establish clear ground rules that will enable each of our countries to maintain its cultural policies, while complying with the rules that govern the international trading system and while protecting export markets for cultural goods and services. ...Once it is adopted, the instrument will enable us to create favourable conditions for creation, production, distribution, promotion and protection of institutions and means of expression in each of our countries, while still remaining open to the rest of the world. It will be a tool, a practical means of promoting and protecting our own cultures so that they can contribute to enriching humankind...Last week, at the meeting of culture ministers in Cartagena, OAS member states recognized the importance of cultural diversity, and they showed their willingness to work together in order to preserve and promote the cultural diversity of the Americas. Together we are on the way to giving a new face to the world of tomorrow.

Copps reiterates need for cultural diversity

News | 08/15/2002 4:00 am EDT

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