Would adopting a Convention on the Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Content and Artistic Expression give states too much discretion in defending cultural diversity?
Cultural diversity depends, above all, on the creators’ vitality and imagination. Therefore, it is up to artists and cultural industries, not only governments, to support the growth and vitality of cultural diversity, without which the very process of economic globalization could be affected. A Convention would establish a framework of founding principles for a good cultural policy; respect for freedom of expression and regulatory transparency are among the essential principles of a good cultural policy. The objective is in no way to promote the emergence of “state cultures” that are inconsistent with freedom of cultural expression and choice, but instead to facilitate access to a broad range of domestic and international cultural products. Furthermore, no state could single-handedly support and promote culture without working with the private sector. Close cooperation between the public and private sectors is the only way to create a proper framework for cultural diversity and its dev
