Preferential Treatment Discussion Triggers Debate on 2005 Convention’s Relationship to WTO

The relationship of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions to trade agreements may not have been officially on the agenda for the December meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee, but it nevertheless surfaced as a major source of discussion before the meeting had come to a close.

"Preserving and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions: sharing Asian and European experiences"

The European Commission and Vietnamese authorities jointly organise an Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) seminar on the theme "Preserving and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions: sharing Asian and European experiences", which will take place in Hanoi, Vietnam on 15-16 December 2008.

The seminar will aim at exchanging experiences and points of view on questions related to the diversity of cultural expressions. It is meant to be an open platform for discussions between officials, decision-makers as well as representatives of civil society active in the field of culture, from both Europe and Asia. 

More information on the background, the speakers as well as issues which will be discussed in Vietnam is to be found here.

The European Commission would like to invite all interested organisations and individuals to take part in this event, by registering at this website set-up by our contractor for this event.

For this event the European Commission will not be able to cover the costs of travel and accommodation as regards participants.

FIA, FIM Reiterate Support for UNESCO Convention