The EBU has adopted a Declaration to mark the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Meeting in Geneva on 3 and 4 December 2015 for the 75th General Assembly of the EBU, member representatives underlined that the Convention's principles go hand in hand with Public Service Media’s (PSM) role and its contribution to society. They remain committed to honouring the explicit recognition of PSM as a measure to achieve the Convention’s objectives.

The EBU Declaration outlines how PSM programmes, services and innovations underpin the Convention's principles and objectives in a rapidly changing media environment. The EBU also believes that the UNESCO Convention is a vital policy instrument which offers cultural and creative industries important safeguards at national and international level, in particular with regard to international trade agreements and the need to put in practice technologically-neutral media and culture policies.

The full text of the EBU Declaration is available below for download.

Declaration of the 75^th EBU General Assembly: Celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of the Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity

The 75^th General Assembly of the EBU wishes to pay tribute to the UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. On the occasion of the Convention’s 10^th anniversary, we believe that it is opportune to reassert its key principles in a rapidly changing global media environment, and celebrate its achievements and the legacy it has set out for cultural policies at national and international level. 

As stated in the Convention, we, Public Service Media organisations of Europe, firmly believe that cultural diversity is a defining characteristic of humanity, a common heritage to be cherished and preserved, the bedrock of a rich and varied world, an indispensable instrument for peace and security and an important element for the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Crucial principles of the Convention go hand in hand with the recognition of Public Service Media’s role and its contribution to society:

• Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms - notably freedom of expression, information and communication;
• Countries’ sovereign right to adopt measures and policies to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions within their territory;
• Equitable access to a rich and diversified range of cultural expressions from all over the world.

By offering varied programmes on all relevant platforms ranging from news, current affairs, fiction, entertainment, music,  documentaries, films and sports, Public Service Media provide content for both general and niche audiences, addressing all segments of society as well as society as a whole.

We give our full backing to the UNESCO to continue their engagement in protecting and promoting cultural diversity, and we remain committed to honouring the explicit recognition of Public Service Media as a measure to achieve the Convention’s objectives.