The Australian | By Cathy Pryor | October 20, 2003
THE UN body on arts and culture, UNESCO, has adopted a resolution aimed at protecting cultural diversity from globalisation at its general conference which wrapped up in Paris on the weekend.
The US, which was taking part in its first UNESCO conference in 19 years, had been expected to oppose the radical move that means signatory countries will be bound by international law to protect cultural diversity within their borders.
The resolution on a Draft International Convention on Cultural Diversity was approved by about 180 member countries by consensus last Monday. UNESCO's executive will now draw up the legal framework to be presented at a general meeting in 2005.
The surprise move represents a win for Canada, France and other nations within the European Union which, fearful of the encroachment of Hollywood culture in particular, were the main players in the debate.
However, the resolution takes into account concerns expressed by the US and other nations about the compatibility of such a convention with the obligations for free trade.
Before the debate last week, the US put up an alternative resolution that, while recognising the need for cultural diversity, would have effectively killed any legal obligation. It invited a number of countries, including Australia, to become co-sponsors.
Worried the convention would stifle its multi-million dollar film export industry, the US's draft resolution emphasised that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes the right "to seek, receive and impart information and ideas though any media and regardless of frontiers".
It argued any standards on cultural diversity should be implemented in consultation with other international organisations such as the World Trade Organisation.
Australia, while not opposing the convention outright, also expressed reservations, calling on UNESCO to "take a cautious approach".
Although the US failed to attract support for its proposal, the resolution which was finally adopted included a number of revisions such as recognition of free speech and the need "to take into account existing international legal instruments" including the WTO.
The debate has been watched closely by artists in Australia who are lobbying the federal Government to exempt the Australian film and television industry from a free trade agreement with the US.
Megan Elliott, executive director of the Australian Writers' Guild, said the outcome in Paris augured well for their case.
"We are pleased that the Australian Government did not choose to co-sponsor the US resolution and we are pleased that the resolution got through on consensus and the US chose not to oppose it," she said.The Australian:
