POM preps for cultural diversity dialogue

Preparations are underway in Port Moresby for the celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

The United Nations General Assembly sanctioned celebration of this day on May 21st every year.

Its aim is to promote culture and highlight the significance of its diversity as an agent of inclusion and positive change.

The day provides an opportunity to advance the four goals of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, namely:

  • Support sustainable systems of governance for culture
  • Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services, and increase the mobility of artists and cultural professionals
  • Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks
  • Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms

In celebrating the day, the PNG National Cultural Commission (NCC) in partnership with the UNESCO Office for the Pacific States in Apia, Samoa, the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery, the Linguistic Society of PNG, and the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority will host a Round Table discussion in Port Moresby.

The discussion will focus on UNESCO’s key cultural conventions beneficial to PNG: (1) the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003); (2) the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005); and (3) the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (1954) and associated protocols. PNG has only ratified the first convention in 2008.

The Round Table will provide an opportunity for the valuable exchange of knowledge and experience, and will further enable participants to develop a roadmap towards the possible ratification and implementation of all three Conventions, if they are felt to be applicable and beneficial in our context and are consistent with PNG’s sustainable development plans.

Meanwhile, preparations are in an advanced stage with stakeholder organisations working closely with NCC to host the celebration successfully.

Minister responsible for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Emil Tammur, will open the day’s discussions.

Author: 
Press release