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A defining feature of the ReIShaping Policies for Creativity and Artistic Freedom project is its strong emphasis on participation and inclusion – embedding civil society organisations (CSOs), alongside artists and cultural professionals together with other key stakeholders, directly into cultural governance. In line with the goals of the 2005 Convention and the 2022 MONDIACULT Declaration, this multi-stakeholder approach fosters meaningful dialogue between governments and CSOs, ensuring that marginalised voices – particularly women, youth, and rural communities – are not only heard, but empowered. 

Across the eight partner countries, this approach has led to the emergence of dynamic dialogue platforms, created through the reporting process. These platforms have become critical spaces for collaboration, advocacy, and inclusive decision-making. 

In Lao PDR, the Artists’ Talk Series, led by local organization XYZ, has opened space for cross-sectoral exchange among artists, CSOs, and government representatives. The momentum generated by this project reflects a growing recognition of the need for joined-up governance in the creative sector. “To strengthen the Creative and Cultural Industries in Lao PDR, the government sector, CSOs, the private sector, and creative professionals need to work collaboratively,” noted Thongbay Photisane, President of the Lao Writers Association.

This spirit of collaborative governance is echoed in Bolivia, where more than 300 stakeholders took part in the national reporting process—30% from rural areas and 42% women—underscoring a firm commitment to decentralised and inclusive engagement. Similarly, in Mexico, targeted efforts were made to reinforce grassroots participation. Training programmes have enabled CSOs to become familiar with the design and monitoring of cultural policies, while also supporting the development of local creative networks that are now actively involved in cultural planning at the municipal level.

The ripple effect of capacity-building is also visible in Côte d’Ivoire, where the influence of CSOs has grown significantly. In the 2024 QPR, CSOs were responsible for 30 out of 81 measures, compared to 2021 when most policies and measures originated from public or private entities—signalling a meaningful step toward shared cultural governance.

Beyond national interventions, the ReIShaping Policies for Creativity and Artistic Freedom project has supported a Regional Peer-to-Peer Learning Cycle on Participatory Policy Monitoring, involving 267 participants from 89 countries across 12 online sessions. This global exchange strengthened capacity across public institutions and CSOs and led to a record 101 report submissions in 2024. Notably, 73% of submitted reports included direct contributions from CSOs—a strong indicator of progress toward more informed, transparent, and inclusive systems of governance for culture. Moreover, partner countries supported through Phases I and II of the ReIShaping initiative achieved a 95% submission rate for their 2024 reports, demonstrating the long-term impact of continued capacity-building and support.

Presentation of the Periodic Report creative cultural economies Bolivia 2024

The reporting process is not just about reporting — it sets the stage for actionable change. Insights gathered through this participatory process are now guiding the development of targeted follow-up activities and translating recommendations into concrete actions across all eight partner countries, effectively bridging the gap between reporting and on-the-ground implementation.

In South Sudan, the 2024 national report identified “Engaging women and youth in cultural life” as a key priority. This led to a February 2025 collaboration between UNESCO and GOGO Play, launching a training programme for female filmmakers in Juba. Over 10 days, 25 women received hands-on training in production, directing, photography, and scriptwriting. Meanwhile, Botswana’s creative community gathered in Gaborone for a participatory workshop to define strategies for implementing the national report. Stakeholders explored market access as a key priority to enhance economic growth and global recognition. In Timor-Leste, the elaboration of the national report revealed significant data gaps in the cultural and creative industries. In response, the country launched research in two municipalities to strengthen its evidence base for policymaking and better align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).