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Convention on Cultural Diversity INCD Draft 2002 On March 8 2002, the International Network for Cultural Diversity (INCD) released its first draft of a Convention on Cultural Diversity to its members in 52 countries- the first version publically released by any of the various organizations and governments involved in developing this instrument. In doing so, the INCD continues to be at the forefront of the cultural diversity movement which has been calling for this treaty since 1999. Prepared by Canadian trade lawyer Steven Shrybman, the Convention translates the principles and concepts endorsed by the membership of the INCD at meetings held in Santorini, Greece in 2000 and Lucerne, Switzerland in 2001 into the terms of a binding international treaty on cultural diversity. In addition to a preamble, it sets out 20 substantive provisions dealing with the key elements of such a treaty, including rules concerning trade in cultural goods, and investment in providing cultural services. This convention will provide a stable legal framework for the protection and enhancement of the full diversity of cultural expression, currently under threat from the homogenizing effects of globalization. It will also ensure that cultural products are not reduced to their market value by trade agreements and arrives at a particularly important moment as the WTO launched a new round of negotiations in November 2001. The Convention stresses the rights and responsibilities of governments to implement measures designed to foster diversity and creativity while securing the rights of all creators and citizens to freedom of expression and access to the full range of cultural activities. UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity: Analysis WTO Ministerial: Doha ReportThe World Trade Organization launched a comprehensive new round of trade negotiations, covering issues with potentially serious consequences for cultural policy in many countries. (Newsletter 15, Dec 2001) Declaration to the Ministers from the Second Conference of the INCD
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