Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05PARIS7772
2005-11-15 18:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Paris
Cable title:
USUNESCO: UNESCO SYMPOSIUM EXAMINES CULTURAL
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS PARIS 007772
SIPDIS
FROM USMISSION UNESCO PARIS
FOR IO/T
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA AORC SCUL JA FR UNESCO
SUBJECT: USUNESCO: UNESCO SYMPOSIUM EXAMINES CULTURAL
DIVERSITY IN EAST-WEST CONTEXT
REF: PARIS 07446
UNCLAS PARIS 007772
SIPDIS
FROM USMISSION UNESCO PARIS
FOR IO/T
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA AORC SCUL JA FR UNESCO
SUBJECT: USUNESCO: UNESCO SYMPOSIUM EXAMINES CULTURAL
DIVERSITY IN EAST-WEST CONTEXT
REF: PARIS 07446
1. SUMMARY and comment: UNESCO's Social and Human
Sciences Sector held an international symposium on
"Cultural Diversity and Transversal Values: East-West
Dialogue on Spiritual-Secular Dynamics" on November 7-
9. The symposium concluded with a communiqu
identifying new directions for dialogue between the
East and West in order to foster mutual respect.
Cultural diversity, as related to the recently adopted
Cultural Diversity Convention (CDC),was not
extensively discussed, although intercultural dialogue
was.
2. The Social and Human Sciences division of UNESCO is
currently seeking a role for itself within UNESCO
(reftel) by capitalizing on the momentum surrounding
cultural diversity. However, we note that dialogue on
civilizations is an increasingly important one for
UNESCO and has been handled more convincingly in
conferences and events organized by other sectors.
This is a potential area of engagement for the
U.S.[Septel] End summary and comment.
Cultural Diversity- Moving beyond the Convention
-------------- ---
3. Cultural diversity was discussed in two ways
throughout this symposium; the first was in regards to
the CDC, the second looked at historical methods and
exchanges of dialogue between diverse cultures.
Director General Matsuura opened the symposium noting
that adoption of the Cultural Diversity Convention
(CDC) marks states' concerns regarding cultural
impoverishment and universality in the context of
rampant globalization. By adopting the convention,
states have formulated policy to protect culture.
Regarding cultural exchanges, Matsuura stressed that
dialogue, particularly religious, is necessary to
promote tolerance and understanding.
4. French and Japanese entities, including the French
National Commission for UNESCO, were the symposium's
primary organizers and participants. Participants,
mainly academic, also came from the United States,
China, the Republic of Korea, and the Holy See.
Speakers covered five main themes: (1) the East-West
historical meeting; (2) Mediators; (3) Cultural
Diversity and the plurality of values; (4) the impact
of modernity on cultural transfers; and (5) transversal
values in a diverse world. The final communiqu
identified six `springboards' for future dialogue,
which could be the subject of similar future symposia
at UNESCO.
5. Comment. The symposium's abstract, philosophical
approach stands in sharp contrast to the real-life
phenomenon relating to cultural diversity - i.e. riots
by French youth of sub-Saharan and North African
heritage - that were never mentioned once as they
flared near Paris while the symposium was taking place.
KOSS
SIPDIS
FROM USMISSION UNESCO PARIS
FOR IO/T
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA AORC SCUL JA FR UNESCO
SUBJECT: USUNESCO: UNESCO SYMPOSIUM EXAMINES CULTURAL
DIVERSITY IN EAST-WEST CONTEXT
REF: PARIS 07446
1. SUMMARY and comment: UNESCO's Social and Human
Sciences Sector held an international symposium on
"Cultural Diversity and Transversal Values: East-West
Dialogue on Spiritual-Secular Dynamics" on November 7-
9. The symposium concluded with a communiqu
identifying new directions for dialogue between the
East and West in order to foster mutual respect.
Cultural diversity, as related to the recently adopted
Cultural Diversity Convention (CDC),was not
extensively discussed, although intercultural dialogue
was.
2. The Social and Human Sciences division of UNESCO is
currently seeking a role for itself within UNESCO
(reftel) by capitalizing on the momentum surrounding
cultural diversity. However, we note that dialogue on
civilizations is an increasingly important one for
UNESCO and has been handled more convincingly in
conferences and events organized by other sectors.
This is a potential area of engagement for the
U.S.[Septel] End summary and comment.
Cultural Diversity- Moving beyond the Convention
-------------- ---
3. Cultural diversity was discussed in two ways
throughout this symposium; the first was in regards to
the CDC, the second looked at historical methods and
exchanges of dialogue between diverse cultures.
Director General Matsuura opened the symposium noting
that adoption of the Cultural Diversity Convention
(CDC) marks states' concerns regarding cultural
impoverishment and universality in the context of
rampant globalization. By adopting the convention,
states have formulated policy to protect culture.
Regarding cultural exchanges, Matsuura stressed that
dialogue, particularly religious, is necessary to
promote tolerance and understanding.
4. French and Japanese entities, including the French
National Commission for UNESCO, were the symposium's
primary organizers and participants. Participants,
mainly academic, also came from the United States,
China, the Republic of Korea, and the Holy See.
Speakers covered five main themes: (1) the East-West
historical meeting; (2) Mediators; (3) Cultural
Diversity and the plurality of values; (4) the impact
of modernity on cultural transfers; and (5) transversal
values in a diverse world. The final communiqu
identified six `springboards' for future dialogue,
which could be the subject of similar future symposia
at UNESCO.
5. Comment. The symposium's abstract, philosophical
approach stands in sharp contrast to the real-life
phenomenon relating to cultural diversity - i.e. riots
by French youth of sub-Saharan and North African
heritage - that were never mentioned once as they
flared near Paris while the symposium was taking place.
KOSS