In October last year UNESCO member states agreed to adopt a convention on cultural diversity, titled ‘The Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.’ The cultural diversity pact, as it became known, is aimed at protecting local and national forms of cultural expression, traditions and customs from increasing globalization.
The pact received overwhelming support from 148 (out of 154) UNESCO member states. Only the USA and Israel voted against the pact, with four countries abstaining. However, the vote is just the start of a diplomatic conflict over culture that is set to continue at least until 2007, when the treaty will be ratified – provided 30 countries complete the necessary parliamentary process.
