Consultation and Training Workshop on the Periodic Reporting on the Implementation of the UNESCO 2005 Convention

The UNESCO 2005 Convention emphasizes the dual nature of cultural goods and services having both economic and cultural value. The Convention, which has been ratified by 135 Member States, serves as an important legal instrument for State Parties to design and implement policies and measures to promote domestic creative industries and cultural activities. As State Parties to the Convention, each commits to submitting a quadrennial report presenting detailed cultural policies and measures which serve the purpose of the Convention.

The workshop is part of a global intervention by UNESCO and the Swedish Government, supporting governments and civil society in reinforcing the monitoring and reporting mechanism for the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. The project is implemented in 12 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East based on the general observation that State Parties have yet to obtain a thorough understanding of the scope and principles of the Convention and yet to invest in policy monitoring and reporting.

The drafting team of Viet Nam consists of 15 Ministry officials and creative practitioners who will take the lead in collecting data and drafting the second quadrennial report of Viet Nam, due in early 2017, with the technical support of an international expert. Following the first consultation workshop and preliminary situation analysis, the drafting team will complete an intensive training programme on the critical issues covered in the periodic report. Team members will be responsible for collecting data, drafting the report and organising consultation sessions with the public and relevant authorities before its final submission.

Fostering cooperation between State governing bodies and creative practitioners, the intervention aims to raise the awareness of all stakeholders involved on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. Moreover, the intervention contributes to a more transparent policy cycle with regards to cultural development and creativity promotion while establishing a platform for policy dialogues among concerned stakeholders.

Speaking at the consultation workshop, the Representative of UNESCO to Viet Nam, Katherine Muller-Marin, emphasized the importance of multi-lateral cooperation for promoting diversity and creativity as "more than just a means to fulfil Viet Nam's reporting obligations as a State Party to the Convention...[but] an incredible opportunity to jointly revise the monitoring and reporting mechanisms in place for the policies and interventions on cultural industries in Viet Nam".

At the consultation workshop, Vice Minister Huynh Vinh Ai of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reiterated the commitment of the Government of Viet Nam in fulfilling the obligations of a State Party to the Convention. "As part of the national strategy of international cooperation, Viet Nam commits to actively participate in international interventions. The Government of Viet Nam fulfils its obligations as a State Party of the UNESCO 2005 Convention and also as the Vice Chair of the Inter-governmental Committee of the Convention in 2011-2015".

For more information:

Duong Bich Hanh

Culture Program Coordinator

UNESCO Ha Noi

E-mail: db.hanh@unesco.org

Tel: (04) 3 7470275/6