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Peru elected member of UNESCO's Committee for Protection of Cultural Diversity

09:30 | Paris (France), Jun. 9.

Peruvian Foreign Affairs Minister Ana Cecilia Gervasi participated in the ninth session of the "Conference of Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions," in which Peru was elected a member of the UNESCO's Committee for the Protection of Cultural Diversity.

The session was held at the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris, France, on Thursday.

In her speech, Minister Gervasi underscored that the Peruvian Government is fully convinced that culture is a fundamental engine of sustainable development, as well as of twinning and peace among the peoples.

Likewise, she reaffirmed the country's commitment to continue working together with UNESCO in favor of the protection of artists and the promotion of diverse cultural expressions, placing emphasis on creative industries.

Furthermore, the Cabinet member indicated that Peru is a multicultural and multiethnic country that is home to more than 50 indigenous peoples, who add incalculable value to its cultural identity and keep its history vibrant.

Moreover, the government official highlighted the various traditions and ancestral knowledge that are a source of national pride, as well as the 48 indigenous languages spoken across the country.

Thus, the minister pointed out that Peru is committed to the protection of indigenous language speakers —a commitment that is evidenced by its membership in the Global Task Force for Making a Decade of Action for Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032).

The Decade's main objective is to promote international cooperation and exchange of experiences, as well as to ensure the preservation, revitalization, and promotion of indigenous languages.

Subsequently, and after a period of negotiations within UNESCO, Peru was elected a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the "Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions," for the 2023-2027 period.
 
This reaffirmed the country's commitment to continue strengthening international cooperation for both the protection of diverse cultural expressions and the promotion of creative industries, involving the different public and private institutions related to Peru's cultural and artistic development, as well as its visibility in the world.

(END) NDP/NGB/JCR/RMB/MVB

Published: 6/9/2023