UI~ESCO A

22 c
General Conference
ARCHIVESUltSeO Twenty-second Session, Paris 1983

22 c/94
3 November 1983
Original: French

Item 63 of the agenda

PROCLAMATION BY THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF A WORLD DECADE FOR CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

SUMMARY

In Recommendation No.27, the World Conference on Cultural Policies

(Mexico City, 1982):

'Recommends that the General Conference of Unesco propose to the

General Assembly of the United Nations the proclamation of a World
Decade for Cultural Development and that it authorize the Director-
General to take the appropriate measures in this connection'.

After recalling recent developments in the thinking of the

international community on relations between culture, development
and the life of societies, as reflected, for example, in the inter-
governmental conferences on cultural policies organized by Unesco,
the present document presents the Director-General's proposals
concerning the general objectives of a World Decade for Cultural
Development, followed by the programme of action which might be
considered for this purpose.

I Decision required: paragraph 37.

 22 c/94

INTRODUCTION

1. The World Conference on Cultural Policies, held in Mexico City from 26 July to
6 August 1982, adopted Recommendation No.27 in which it:

'1. Recommends that the General Conference of Unesco propose to the General Assembly
of the United Nations the proclamation of a World Decade for Cultural Development
and that it authorize the Director-General to take the appropriate measures in
this connection:

2. Requests the General Assembly of the United Nations to study the possibility of
including among its objectives for the Third Development Decade the implemen-
tation of a Plan of Action within the framework of a World Decade for Cultural
Development in order to eradicate illiteracy, ensure broad participation in
culture and emphasize the cultural dimension of development and the affirmation
of the cultural identity of each nation' (see Annex).

2. To give effect to this recommendation, the Director-General proposed the inclusion of

this item in the agenda of the twenty-second session of the General Conference of
Unesco.

3. It is the prerogative of the General Conference to make proposals on this subject to

the United Nations General Assembly. Bearing this in mind, it may first wish to decide
whether it is advisable to propose to the United Nations General Assembly the proclamation
of a World Decade for Cultural Development. If it supports the idea of proclaiming this
Decade, it may then wish to authorize the Director-General to take the appropriate
measures in this connection, with regard both to Unesco and to the contacts to be estab-
lished with the United Nations Secretary-General.

GENERAL REMARKS

4. Before examining the advisability and value of the proclamation by the united Nations
General Assembly of a World Decade for Cultural Development, we consider it necessary
to point out, first and foremost, the growing importance of culture in the life of each
people, and in relations between nations. The World Conference on Cultural Policies which
was held in Mexico City in 1982 was unanimous in recognizing this fact: as a result of
scientific and technological progress, particularly in the field of communications and in-
formation, all societies are undergoing rapid and profound changes and universalization is
becoming more and more pronounced, thereby modifying man's place in the world and the
nature of relationships between individuals, groups and peoples and considerably increas-
ing the importance and scope of education and, even more, culture.

5. AS a result both of the development of scientific thinking and of the increasing aware-
ness of the international community, the concept of culture, as reflected, far example,
in the intergovernmental conferences on cultural policies, has been extended to include all
the distinctive characteristics--spiritual and material, intellectual and emotional--of a
society or social group. The concept now transcends arts and letters and encompasses life-
styles and the modes of production of goods having an economic or symbolic value, fundamen-
tal human rights and individual or collective tradi.tions and beliefs. Perceived in its
historical dimension, culture is now seen to be the result of everything that a society has
created with the passage of time, and at the same time the driving force of what it continues
to create, shaping the sensitivity and collective imagination of its members.

6. But while culture is the expression of the specific personality of a community, it also
determines its receptivity to others, which is vital if it is not to perish, in a broadly
interacting world in which the diversity of cultures must be recognized as a source of
enrichment for each of them. Hence the place occupied by culture in the life of each people
and in relationships between different nations sheds light on its role in the development
process.

7. The concept that has dominated international economic thinking in recent decades is that
of development, but development reduced essentially to its economic aspects, thereby
establishing a questionable distinction between the industrialized and the developing countries,
speaking in economic terms. In actual fact, development has no real meaning unless it enables
individuals and peoples to live a better life, in complete harmony with their moral and
spiritual aspirations, and makes possible the full flowering of their creative faculties.
While it is true that economic development is a crucial requirement, it is also necessary
for the economy to have a purpose and a cohesion which it can only find through culture; this
would confer upon development--and some 95 its key sectors, such as education, communication,
22 C/94 - page 2

science and technology - a sense of the integrated deployment of the potential of all
communities. In other words, reflection on development is just as important to industrial
societies as to developing countries.

8. l all, it is vital that culture, that is to say, man, should be at the centre of
~ l in
any approach to development problems. It was this need that led the Mexico City Con-
ference to adopt a recommendation proposing the proclamation by the United Nations General
Assembly of a World Decade for Cultural Development. In theory, the need to place man at
the centre of development is, therefore, increasingly widely recognized by the inter-
national community, particularly in the context of the various international conferences
on cultural policies convened by Unesco, or prepared with its collaboration, since 1970.
This need is also one of the keys to the approach to world problems which underlies
Unesco's second Medium-Term Plan for 1984-1989 and its Draft Programme and Budget for
1984-1985.

9. If culture were thus to be taken into consideration in the formulation of develop-

ment strategies it should bring about a change in attitudes and a thorough-going re-
orientation of development objectives and strategies but this would imply a sustained
effort in the field of scientific investigation and at the same time a firm resolve on
the part of Member States and of all international organizations concerned to take the
necessary action. Whether national or international development strategies are being
considered, it must be admitted that this is far from being the situation, even though
a trend in this direction is beginning to emerge.

10. The International Development Strategy for the Third United Nations Development
Decade, adopted by the United Nations for the 1 9 8 0 ~ ~mentions,
1 for example, the
social and human parameters of development, thereby coming closer to the concerns and
activities of Unesco.

11. Thus, with respect to the content and purpose of development, the text of the Inter-
national Development Strategy states that 'the development process must promote
human dignity' and that 'the ultimate aim of development is the constant improvement of
the well-being of the entire population on the basis of its full participation in the
process of development and a fair distribution of the benefits therefrom' .2 Development
must take into account the cultural identity of each country, and not only its socio-
economic structure and stage of development.

12. With regard to increased participation, 'full and effective participation by the en-
tire population at all stages of the development process should be ensuredI.4 The
Strategy states that 'women should play an active role in the process', particularly in
rural development in the least developed countries. 'All countries should give high
priority to the objectives of mobilizing and integrating youth in development'. Lastly,
'it is essential to mobilize public opinion in all countries, particularly the developed
countries, in order to obtain their full commitment to the goals and objectives and the
implementation of the present Strategy'. 6

13. Emphasis is also laid on the need for the autonomous development of each country. 'It
is for each country to establish adequate national objectives for the promotion of
human and social development within the framework of its development plans, priorities
and resources '. The technical and financial support provided by the international
community to enable these goals to be achieved must take due account of the 'cultural
identities of nations and peoples '.

14. The struggle againstilliteracy is a fundamental aspect in the attainment of the right
to education. 'The eradication or considerable reduction of illiteracy, and the
closest possible realization of universal primary enrolment by the year 2000 remain a

1. Resolution A/mS/35-56 of the United Nations General Assembly, thirty-fifth session.

2. Idem, paragraph 8.
3. Idem, paragraph 162.
4. Idem, paragraph 51.
5. Idem, paragraph 51.
6. Idem, paragraph 14.
7. Idem, paragraph 42.
8. Idem, paragraph 42.
9. According to currently available figures, the total number of illiterates is
823 million; projections for the year 2000 put the figure at 900 million.
 22 c/94 - page 3

major goal of all countries during the decade '. The requirements made in respect of
education can be applied: ensure 'the transmission by the educational system of the
cultural heritage and of universal values of mankindI.2

15. Moreover the substantial programme of action adopted by the United Nations Conference
on the least developed countries and approved by the United Nations General Assembly
underlines, in particular, the necessity of 'enhancing the cultural relevance of education
and ensuring the preservaeion and enhancement of cultural identity and values as an
essential part of national developmentI.

16. As a whole, the International Development Strategy for the 1980s does show evidence
of some effort to take into account the social and human aspects of development, but
the goals and objectives it defines are expressed in terms of growth of gross domestic
product, increased rates of output, higher investments, etc. The policy measures proposed
relate mainly to international trade, industrialization, food and agriculture, financial
resources and monetary issues, and energy and transport problems. While education, es-
pecially the elimination of illiteracy, occupies an important place - partly, as has been
noted, through the efforts of Unesco - and while the question of the endogenous character
of the technological and scientific potential is raised, the role of communication in
development, vital though it is, is passed over in complete silence in the Strategy, while
the role of culture is dealt with only piecemeal and almost exclusively from the stand-
point of cultural identity.

17. Thus a tentative opening-out of the Strategy towards the cultural problems of devel-
opment is discernible; but it is to be noted that a development strategy with man
as its ultimate goal, a strategy for and by people, is only defined and applied on the
necessary scale in the overall reflection carried out on this subject by Unesco and in
its short and medium-term projects for activities.

18. It is within this context that the potential value of the proposed proclamation by
the United Nations General Assembly of a World Decage for Cultural Development and
the possible launching of a plan of action to that end becomes apparent.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE DECADE

19. The general objectives set out in MONDIACULT Recommendation No. 27 indicate the three
possible major thrusts of a plan of action for the Decade. It should nevertheless be
observed that, while they all fit into one long-term perspective, these objectives are
different one from another: thus, 'to eradicate literacy' is an operational goal, whereas
to 'ensure broad participation in culture', to 'emphasize the cultural dimension of devel-
opment' and 'the affirmation of the cultural identity of each nation' are very long-term
goals, very close to the fundamental problems of culture in the contemporary worla, as
identified by the Mexico City Conference, although the Conference placed them in a
different order: cultural identity and intercultural relations; the cultural dimension of
development; cultural rights, participation in cultural life and creativity. In the
context of world-wide issues, a fourth fundamental problem might be added: that of inter-
national cultural co-operation, on which subject forty-four recommendations were adopted
by the Mexico City Conference. It should, however, be pointed out that while these are,
in a sense, the fundamental problems of culture in the contemporary world, these themes
also form the basic principles and possible major objectives of a promotion of cultural
development on a world-wide scale, and -
hence - of a World Decade for Cultural
Development.

Affirmation of cultural identities

20. Given that culture is generally regarded as the source of the vitality of each
society and as a means of maintaining and renewing it, cultural identity may be
regarded as the living core of all human communities, the dynamic principle whereby
binding support in their past, sustained by their potential and accepting such inputs from
outside as they may need, thqrcontinue the on-going process of creating themselves. It is
a fact that one of the basic features of the present age is a concern, observed in all

1. Resolution A/RES/35-56 of the United Nations General Assembly, thirty-fifth session,

paragraph 46.
2. Idem, paragraph 164.
3. 1 , Chapter I, paragraph 26;
Document A/Conf..~~4/22/Reference.
 peoples, in the face of the rapid changes that all societies are undergoing and the ever-
developing phenomenon of globalization, to preserve their cultural identity, at the very
time when cultural exchanges are increasing in number and intensity.

21. The cultural identity of a society may be apprehended in the first place, f r m with-
out and from within, through history, through the totality of the works that give
expression to it -in a word, its cultural heritage, both material and non-material. But
cultural identity is also an internal dynamic, a continuous process by which a society
creates itself. It is both the guarantee and the basis of the community's will to progress,
the means whereby necessary change beccunes creative adaptation. Likewise, cultural
identity is sustained by internal diversity, consciously and willingly accepted, and
welcomes, through its links with the cultures of other peoples, external inputs, assimi-
lating them and, if need be, transforming them.

: . -

(a) Measures concerning the cultural heritage

measures to enable each people to preserve, re-constitute or develop, the irreplace-

able elements of its cultural heritage;

measwkes to counter the threats which wars and natural disasters pose to the cultural
heritage;

measures to prevent illicit dealing in works of art or archaeological objects;

measures to make the cultural heritage of all peoples a property held in common by
all mankind;

measures to generate public awareness of the importance of the cultural heritage.

(b) Measures concerning the promotion of cultural identities

knowledge and promotion of all the cultures of the world;

identification of ways whereby each culture may borrow from others and incorporate
into its own experience anything that may help to enrich it, in the fields of edu-
cation, communication, science and technology;

study and encouragement of intercultural communication and the mutual appreciation

of cultures;

further development of relations between culture and techno-industrial development,

scientific discoveries, communication - especially the media - and educational action
in all forms (particularly the encouragement of national languages).

Taki'ng into account the cultural dimension of development

22. The international community's growing awareness of the importance of the cultural
dimension of development is a major feature of the present time. In this respect,
the new convergences between the concerns and aspirations of the industrialized countries
and the developing countries are beginning to emerge: in the former, aspirations to
finding forms of growth showing greater respect for the environment and less wasteful of
energy, placing greater emphasis on community life and the quality of human relationships;
in the latter, the need to combine progress, justice and solidarity, while respecting the
inherent cultural values of each people.

Types of measure to be taken:

studies of the social and cultural aspects of world problems, present and foreseeable;

adaptation of education and communication systems to specific cultural contexts, as

regards educational approaches and content;

encouragement of extension work to disseminate sCientific and technological inno-

vations, taking into account other types of lore, know-how and technology;

taking into account of cultural and human factors in development plans, programmes
and projects;
 22 C/94 - page 5

study of the cultural impact of different forms of economic and social development;

elucidation of the interrelationship between culture, the economy and certain key
sectors of development (education, communication, science and technology and the
environment), with a view to encouraging the formulation and implementation of
integrated development projects;

identification and implementation of forms of action or cultural expression supportive

of development strategies;

support for the establishment of local cultural industries in the developing countries.

Broadening participation in culture

23. The General Conference of Unesco, at its nineteenth session in Nairobi in 1976, adopted
a recommendation 'on participation by the people at large in cultural life and their
contribution to it', distinguishing between such participation and access to culture.

24. 'Free, democratic access of the people at large to culture' means concrete oppor-
tunities for all, in particular through the creation of the appropriate socio-
economic conditions, for freely obtaining information, training and understanding, and
for enjoying cultural values and cultural property. It implies the existence of economic
and social policies allowing individuals, groups and peoples to exercise their economic,
social and cultural rights, especially the right to education, to information and to cul-
ture. Participation in cultural life presupposes involvement of the different social
partners in decision-making relating to cultural policy as well as in the conduct and
evaluation of activities. It is linked to economic and social development policy, to a
policy of life-long education and to science and technology policy, inasmuch as these safe-
guard the cultural identity of peoples, to a social policy directed towards progress, to
an environment policy, and to a policy for international co-operation, encouraging partici-
pation by all. Moreover, problems of creation and creativity take on their full meaning
in the context of participation.

Types of measure to be taken:

(a) Education

1. promotion of general access to primary education and elimination of illiteracy;

2. promotion of equality of educational opportunity for girls and women;

3. promotion of the right to education of disabled persons, refugees and national

liberation movements, migrant workers and their families;

4. integration of young school-leavers into the production circuits;

5. development of early childhood education and adult education;

6. improvement of education in rural areas;

7. reintegration of the elderly into community life;

8. elimination of prejudice, intolerance, racism, apartheid and discrimination based on

sex.

(b) Comunication/Information

further elaboration and implementation of the concepts of the right to communicate

and of access to and participation in communication;

education of users in communication;

free access to information sources, particularly for women;

interconnection and standardization of information systems;

training of information personnel.

22 c/94 - page 6

(c) Science and technology

generalized dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge;

development of an extension work programme in science;

development of environmental education and information;

fostering of an awareness among populations of the value of the natural heritage.

(d) Culture

legislative, economic and social measures to ensure equality of opportunity of

access to culture, of cultural expression, and the exercise of individual and
collective cultural rights;

development and testing of forms of cultural action and stimulation aimed at en-
couraging participation by all in the creation of culture;

measures designed to promote the capacity of individuals.and groups to discover,

invent or reinvent forms of expression relating to their own universe that facili-
tate the development of human creativity;

better knowledge of the values, everyday experience, needs and aspirations of

populations in all their diversity;

aesthetic education and sensitization of populations;

development and utilization of the contribution made by artists to cultural develop-

ment;

development of participation by artists in the life of the camunities in which they

work ;

protection, defence and fostering of the interests of artists and of their freedom
to create and communicate;

improved knowledge of the different fields of creativity, the living conditions and
new roles of artists, particularly vis-&-vis the media and the cultural industries.

Promotion of international cultural co-operation

25. According to the terms of the Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural
Co-operation adopted by the General Conference at its fourteenth session in 1966,
'international cultural co-operation shall cover all aspects of intellectual and creative
activities relating to education, science and culture', to which may be added information
and communication. It is based on respect for and recognition of the equal dignity of all
cultures, a universal knowledge of which will foster peaceful relations among peoples,
which must share their knowledge and skills. Cultural co-operation occasionally encounters
obstacles created by ignorance and prejudice, which generate mistrust and animosity and may
ultimately constitute a threat to peace. The development of mutual tolerance and inter-
national understanding facilitates acceptance of cultural specificities and of the values
they represent and ensures the advancement of knowledge and the development of creativity
among all individuals and all peoples. It constitutes a means of pooling knowledge,
experience and resources for promoting cultural development.

Types of measure to be taken:

free flow and wider and better balanced dissemination of information, and increased
exchanges of news and programmes;

development of exchanges of information on education:

international dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge;

development of regional and international co-operation in the natural sciences, in

technology and the engineering sciences, and in the social and human sciences;

studies on the structural impact of international relations on development;

 promotion of international co-operation in the field of land-use planning;

formulation and application of international instruments relating to the preserva-

tion and development of the natural heritage;

encouragement of balanced cultural exchanges;

joint development of studies, projects and resources in the field of cultural develop-
ment and cultural policy;

organization at the subregional, regional, interregional or international level of

workshops, courses and conferences and promoti-on of pilot projects, with particular
attention to technical co-operation among developing countries;

study of the role of culture as the basis for renewal of international co-operation,
fostering balanced relations in all fields between the different regions of the
world and giving an international dimension to the problems of the relationship
between culture and development.

PLAN OF ACI'ION

26. Both in the concept and in the implementation of a World Decade for Cultural Develop-
ment, the complexity of the problems involved and the scope of the possible themes
of action make it essential for an operation of this scale to be studied in detail, meticu-
lously prepared and provided with means of action commensurate with the ambitiousness of
the undertaking. It would therefore seem premature at this stage to present to the General
Conference a specific programe of activities for the decade itself.

21. The considerations presented here therefore concern, particularly in so far as Unesco
is involved, the work to be done as a preliminary to the.possible proclamation of a
world Decade for Cultural Development, which should not commence until 1987, as indicated
below. In so far as the Member States are concerned, the suggestions which follow con-
stitute no more than possible guidance of a very general nature.

1. Unesco

28. It should first be pointed out that the Organization's Draft P r o g r m e and Budget for
1984-1985 (22 C/5), which is before the General Conference, already makes provision
for an initial follow-up to MONDIACULT Recommendation No. 27. Within the framework of
Programme XI.4 'Cultural development and cultural policies', under subprogramme XI.4.5
'International: cultural co-operation', it indicates that preparatory work will be under-
taken with a view to drawing up proposals on the formulation of a programme of activities
and on procedures for carrying it out. It is further stated that 'The co-ordination of
this programme will be the responsibility of an International Committee which will be
established following the proclamation of the Decade'.

29. Moreover, in so far as they reflect the Recommendations and conclusions of

MONDIACULT, the Medim-Term Plan for 1984-1989 and the Draft Programme and Budget
for 1984-1985 take account, in their spirit, of the concerns embodied in'the four themes
of the Decade, both in regard to the studies and in regard to the operational activities.
is shown::

with regard to the affirmation of cultural identity, by Programmes V.1 (Education,

culture and communicgtion), XI.1 (Cultural heritage) and xI.2 (Cultural identity and
intercultural relations) ;

with regard to recognition of the cultural dimension of development, by Major Pro-

grammes I (Reflection on world problems and 6uture-oriented studies), VI11 (Principles,
methods and strategies of action for development) and Programme XI.4 (Cultural devel-
opment and cultural policies);

with regard to the broadening of participation, which is the theme of one of Unesco's
five tasks as defined in the Second Medium-Term Plan, in addition to Major Programmes
I1 (Education for all) and I11 (Communication in the service of man) which tie-in with
this task, by Programme XI.4 and by Major Programmes XI1 (The elimination of prejudice,
intolerance, racism and apartheid), XI11 (Peace, international understanding, human
rights and the rights of peoples) and XIV (The status of women);
22 C/94 - page 8

(d) with regard to the promotion of international cultural co-operation, by Programmes

111.2 (Free flow and wider and better balanced dissemination of information; in-
creased exchanges of news and programmes); Major Programme VI (The sciences and their
application to development), VI1 (Information systems and access to knowledge), and
subprogramme XI.4.5 (International cultural co-operation). Indeed, it might be
added that Unesco's entire spectrum of activities can be analysed frcm this stand-
point.

30. With a view to the implementation of the Decade, Unesco's draft programmes and
budgets for the future biennia might be strengthened along the main lines of emphasis
described above. Two international conferences might be organized by Unesco: the first,
half-way through the Decade, being a meeting of experts, and the second, at its close,
bringing together ministers responsible for culture and for development.

2. Governments, National Commissions and other national organizations1

31. Member States will be -informed of the proclamation and of the objectives of the
Decade and invited to undertake a number of activities stemming from the four themes
proposed, or to intensify relevant action already undertaken. The particular forms of
action could be worked out by governments, National Commissions, representative organiz-
ations in the cultural, economic and social fields, and local communities, thus giving
effect to the principles of participation.

32. The initial aim could be to assess the present situation regarding development
(endogenous, integrated, cultural); participation (guaranteed by laws or regulations;
achieved in practice); affirmation of national cultural identity (principles, means,
obstacles, cultural pluralism and cross-cultural contacts); the eradication of illiteracy
(present situation, relationship with the general education system, main difficulties) in
the general context of education and cultural co-operation policies.

33. According to the outcome of that assessment, national policies would as appropriate
be reoriented or strengthened, the focus being on specific activities and the four
aspects mentioned above being regarded as priority objectives. Furthermore, the activity
of the various structures concerned would be co-ordinated by National Committees. Pilot
projects in these various fields would be launched or strengthened. In addition, public
opinion would be alerted to these themes through the media, the education system and all
categories of voluntary organizations. National Commissions for Unesco could serve to
transmit the proposals of the International Co-ordinating Committee and would keep it
informed of progress made.

3. Organizations of the United Nations system

34. The World Conference on Cultural Policies, in Recommendation No. 27 which it adopted
in Mexico City in 1982, urges the organizations of the United Nations system to
reflect on the conditions for implementing the World Decade for Cultural Development, with
due regard to the guidelines for international years and anniversaries contained in the
annex to Economic and Social Council resolution 1980/67 of 25 July 1980 (decision 35/424
of the thirty-fifth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, 5 December 1980).

35. Should the proposal for such a Decade be adopted by the General Conference, those
organizations would be required to contribute to the attainment of the four objectives
specified above. Each organization would participate in the Decade in its field of com-
petence. Its future plans and programmes would then place more emphasis on the themes
selected for the Decade. A world-wide public information campaign on this subject could
be launched by Unesco, particularly in the framework of the Joint United Nations Information
Committee.

1. m e . lines of action indicated here are intended at the pre.sent stage to serve merely
as a guide.
 -
22 ~ / 9 4 page 9

POSSIBLE DIVISION OF THE OPERATION INTO PHASES

36. It would seem possible to divide this operation into a number of phases, as follows:

discussion and adoption by the General Conference of Unesco of the draft submit-
ted by the Director-General and voting on a relevant resolution (October-November
1983) ;

transmission to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations of the
proposal of the General Conference and, for this purpose, dispatch-of correspon-
dence by the Director-General of Unesco to the Secretary-General of the United
Nations ;

initiation by Unesco, during the biennium 1984-1985, of preparatory work with a

view to formulating proposals concerning the drawing up of a programme of
activities and ways and means of carrying it out;

at the same time, consideration by the General Assembly of the United Nations
of the possibility of carrying out a plan of action in accordance with
MONDIACULT Recommendation No. 27, as part of the activities of the Third Develop-
ment Decade, and/or including it among the objectives of the Fourth Decade;

submission by the Director-General of a draft plan of action to the Executive

Board of Unesco in the spring of 1985;

approval of the draft, after consideration, by the General Conference of Unesco

at its twenty-third session (Autumn 1985);

approval. of the draft by the General Assembly of the United Nations and procla-
mation of the Decade (1986);

establishment, within Unesco, of an international committee with responsibility

for ensuring co-ordination of the programme of activities adopted;

implementation of the programme (first phase: five years);

mid-term evaluation of the results of the programme (by a conference of experts

which might be organized by Unesco);

second phase of the programme;

final evaluation of the results of the programme (this might be carried out by
a conference of ministers whose organization would be entrusted to Unesco).

DRAFT RESOLUTION

37. The General Conference might consider adopting the following resolution:

The General Conference,

Observing that each nation and each people has the right to affirm its own cultural
identity while fostering the expression of its internal diversities and its contacts
with other cultures,

Emphasizing that development, whose ultimate aim should be focused on man, possesses
an essential cultural dimension for individuals and communities,

Emphasizing also that participation of the greatest possible number of people in the
creation of culture and in the future of societies is a prerequisite for genuine
cultural development,

1. In Note No. E/5905 of 5 January 1977 by the Secretary-General of the United Nations,
concerning the proclamation of international years and anniversaries, the Economic and
Social Council invites the intergovernmental organizations associated with the United
Nations to report to it whenever the proclamation of a 'year' is proposed in order
that it may comment on the subject and choice of the 'year' before a final decision
is taken. The Director-General of Unesco will therefore send to the Secretary-General
of the United Nations a letter enclosing a copy of his report to the General Conference
as soon as the latter has adopted the-resolution relating to the proposal to proclaim
the Decade.
 -
22 ~ / 9 4 page 10

Considering that broader subregional, regionallinterregionaland international co-

operation and understanding in cultural matters are essential to the creation of a
climate of respect, confidence, dialogue and peace among nations,

Recalling the adoption by the World Conference on Cultural Policies of Recommendation

No. 27 concerning the proclamation by the United Nations of a World Decade for Cul-
tural Development,

Noting with satisfaction the arrangements proposed by the Director-General in the

Draft Prograrmne and Budget for 1984-1985 (22 C/5) concerning the preparatory work
on the formulation of a plan of action for the Decade for Cultural Development and
the means of implementing it;

1. Approves the principle of such a Decade, which would be observed under the
auspices of the United Nations and Unesco;

2. Invites the Director-General to inform the Economic and Social Council of this
proposal and to contact other institutions in the United Nations system as
necessary ;

3. Invites the Director-General to report to the Executive Board on the results of

this notification and of this consultation;

4. Invites the Director-General to submit to it at its twenty-third session a draft

plan of action for the Decade for Cultural Development.
 22 c/94
Annex

ANNEX

WORLD CONFERENCE ON CULTURAL POLICIES

(Mexico City, 1982)

World Decade for Cultural Development

Recommendation No. 27

The Conference,

Noting with satisfaction the achievements of the cultural policies and practices of the
Member States over the last ten years,

Emphasizing that culture constitutes a fundamental part of the life of each individual and
of each community and that, consequently, developnent - whose ultimate aim should be fo-
cused on man - must have a cultural dimension,

Noting that efforts to promote cultural development form part of the peoples' aspirations
to achieve political liberation and socio-economic development,

Considering that action to promote culture should be considered in the international per-
spective, as an imperative of world development conducive to peace,

Recognizing the work Unesco has undertaken to promote culture and the equality of the
cultures of different people,

Recalling Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Recommends that the General Conference of Unesco propose to the General Assembly of
the United Nations the proclamation of a World Decade for Cultural Development and
that it authorize the Director-General to take the appropriate measures in this
connection;

2. Requests the General Assembly of the United Nations to study the possibility of in-
cluding among its objectives for the Third Development Decade the implementation of
a Plan of Action within the framework of a World Decade for Cultural Development in
order to eradicate illiteracy, ensure broad participation in culture and emphasize
the cultural dimension of development and the affirmation of the cultural identity of
each nation.