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Validation of the National Report for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in Cabo Verde: A Guarantee for Transparency and Information
" The development of Cabo Verde's first periodic report within the framework of the Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions has contributed to a dialogue on existing challenges for cultural industries and successes in the field of cultural policies, as well as priorities that will need to be addressed in the coming years: the availability of statistical data, the dissemination of culture at the national and international levels, the integration of culture into international negotiations, etc.
I would like to congratulate the national team for their work and highlight the participation of several stakeholders in this process " - Jordy Balt脿 Portol茅s, UNESCO Expert, Cabo Verde, June 7, 2024
Cabo Verde has validated its very first national report, which reviews the policies, measures adopted, and the challenges encountered in the implementation of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, on Friday, June 7, in Praia. This important meeting was attended by around twenty government officials, civil society members, artists, and culture professionals, alongside the Minister of Culture and Creative Industries, and the UNESCO delegation especially present for this occasion.
The process of developing the periodic report allowed us to bring together various societal stakeholders: public entities and civil society organizations. It also enabled us to identify the challenges and vulnerabilities of the sector for better implementation and improved collaboration.
The content of this 鈥渜uadrennial periodic report鈥 with its 81 measures and recommendations, was adopted by consensus by the representatives and members of the sector present. These measures focus on strengthening national policies to promote and strengthen the creative sector through: awareness campaigns; the involvement of youth and media; integration into educational programs; teacher training; funding and social rights issues; diversity and the creative economy, etc., in connection with related sectors such as employment, tourism, and foreign trade.
With the validation of the quadrennial periodic report related to the 2005 Convention, Cabo Verde has taken another step towards the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions and, consequently, the contemporary creative strength of Cabo Verde.
This is a significant milestone for the cultural and creative industries since the country鈥檚 ratification in 2021. Cabo Verde became the 150th State Party to this important international normative instrument, which places information and transparency at its core. When countries ratify this tool, they commit to submitting a 鈥渜uadrennial periodic report鈥 every four years on the policies, measures adopted, and challenges encountered in its implementation, particularly at the national level. These reports are key tools that enable civil society to collaborate with government representatives to assess the progress made in the field. They help advance knowledge of the cultural and creative sector worldwide and enrich global reports on the matter. The report will be officially submitted by the country at the end of June 2024.
" By submitting its report, Cabo Verde fulfils one of its obligations as a member state. It reaffirms its level of commitment by presenting its first report even before reaching four years since ratification.
This achievement is thanks to the commitment of the UNESCO Office in Dakar and the funding of the SIDA project, which allowed for consultations with multiple stakeholders and the formation of a national team composed of members from various public and private entities, with a special mention to civil society organizations, through a participatory process from its inception to the present day. "- Abra茫o Vicente, Minister of Culture and Creative Industries of Cabo Verde, June 7, 2024
These joint efforts, supported by UNESCO and the Swedish government under the 鈥淩eshaping Policies for Creativity鈥 project, aim to strengthen capacities and policies in favour of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the field of creativity. This initiative is also in line with actions taken by Cabo Verde to improve conditions for artists, notably through the adoption of a law on the status of artists and culture professionals, supported by the UNESCO-Aschberg program.
