By BAMUTURAKI MUSINGUZI

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On October 21, Unesco hosted a high-level virtual ResiliArt debate, “Celebrating 15 years of Diversity and Creativity”.

It aimed to reflect on developments in the culture sector in recent years and examine new policies and economic models that can favour diversity and resilience in post-Covid-19 era.

The virtual event also commemorated the three anniversaries. These instruments have served as roadmaps for policymakers and cultural professionals around the world. Through them, Unesco has also provided knowledge-sharing and training opportunities to partners to support the emerging culture sectors in the global South.

Lockdowns and the closing of cultural spaces have eroded incomes and endangered the livelihoods of cultural professionals, most of whom lack social and economic safety nets, which makes these Unesco instruments particularly relevant.

“These instruments are at the core of the international community’s commitment towards artists and the emergence of dynamic and diverse sectors worldwide,” Unesco’s Assistant Director-General for Culture, Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, said in his opening remarks.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Moroccan TV and film director, producer and writer Nabil Ayouch stressed the importance of the 2005 Convention as it has helped to enshrine cultural diversity and contributed to the circulation of cultural and artistic works.

Panellists explored a new, more resilient economic system for the creative sector, drawing on lessons learnt and taking into account needs and ways to reinforce the status of artists and cultural professionals.

They also tackled the advantages and limitations imposed by new digital technologies.

The event featured pre-recorded testimonials from individuals whose tireless efforts led to the adoption of the 1980 Recommendation and the entry into force of the 2005 Convention.