UNESCO promotes the protection of cultural goods and services in the digital environment

The 2005 Convention Secretariat developed an “open roadmap for the implementation of the 2005 Convention in the digital environment” which was then approved by the Conference of Parties in 2019. The Open Roadmap is a flexible framework that offers concrete reference activities to protect the means of creation, production, dissemination, access, and exchange of cultural goods and services in the face of rapid technological changes. The Open Roadmap supports the State Parties to regulate the digital environment so that artists and cultural professionals can thrive and embrace progress and opportunities while addressing risks and challenges of the digital technology. Given the profound transformations, countries are urged to craft their own national roadmaps for the digital environment considering the specific local challenges, needs and priorities.

The UNESCO office in Dar es Salaam collaborated with the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports for the United Republic of Tanzania, along with the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports for the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, as well as other stakeholders, to review the Open Roadmap for implementation of the 2005 Convention in the digital environment. The workshop took place on 14-15 March 2024 at Stella Maris Hotel in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. 

This workshop marked a groundbreaking event in Tanzania, paving the way for the adaptation of a national roadmap aimed at safeguarding cultural goods and services in the digital realm. Various stakeholders, including relevant ministries, arts and culture institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academia, media, artists and youth, actively supported the initiative and contributed valuable insights that are crucial for the development of the national roadmap.

In his opening remarks, Dr Resani Mnata, Director of the Department of Culture at the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, mentioned that digitalization plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing the culture and creative industry. He emphasized on the major role that digital platforms and technologies play in enabling artists, cultural institutions, and creatives to showcase their work to a global audience. This expanded reach allows for greater exposure and recognition of diverse cultural expressions and artistic endeavours. This accessibility enhances the visibility and appreciation of cultural heritage and artistic achievements, contributing to the enrichment of society's cultural tapestry.

On another note, Dr Omar Salum, the Commissioner for Culture the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports of Zanzibar, emphasized on the necessity for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders in the culture sector. This collaboration is vital to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of digital initiatives within the sector. By working together, stakeholders can pool resources, share expertise, and coordinate efforts to leverage digital technologies for the advancement of cultural preservation, promotion, and accessibility.

The open roadmap proposes five outputs and twenty benchmark activities. It serves as a foundation for developing a national roadmap and offers guidelines for monitoring the digital environment. These guidelines complement the primary reporting mechanism of the 2005 Convention, known as the quadrennial periodic reports. The National Roadmap is expected to be flexible, comprehensive and sustainable.  To view the Open Roadmap click here https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000374410

The UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions recognizes the right of governments to adopt regulations, policies and measures to support the emergence of dynamic and strong cultural and creative industries (CCIs). Based on a principle of technological neutrality, the objectives of the 2005 Convention remain valid regardless of the emergence of new technologies and devises. To learn more about the Convention https://www.unesco.org/creativity/en/2005-convention