Strategy -
Global Priority Africa

Extracts from Draft Programme and Budget 2010-2011
35 C/5, vol. 2
Major Programme IV

Global Priority Africa

With respect to global priority Africa, special assistance will be provided to the continent to enhance the implementation of the Conventions in the field of culture, notably the 1972, 2003 and 2005 Conventions. Emphasis will be placed on a selected number of subregional priority areas with a view to increasing impact and visibility. Particular attention will be paid to the promotion of languages and multilingualism. In the field of cultural and creative industries, policy advice and capacity-building will be strengthened to foster the emergence of local, viable markets and to enhance access to international networks, notably in the music, craft and textile industry sectors. As regards intercultural dialogue and social cohesion, renewed efforts will be deployed to respond to the needs of the continent so as to keep alive its collective memory as regards the colonial past and the independence movement through the revitalization of the Slave Route project and the pursuit of the African Liberation Heritage programme. A specific strategy is also envisaged for African post-conflict countries, addressing, in particular, the question of illicit trafficking and looting of cultural property, the rehabilitation of destroyed natural and cultural sites and dialogue for reconciliation and peace. Efforts will also be directed towards strengthening the sociocultural approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and care by the local communities, notably in the framework of United Nations joint programmes.

Renewed efforts towards regional integration will also be made to strengthen the cooperation and strategic partnerships between UNESCO and African regional and subregional organizations. This focuses, in particular, on the African Union and its NEPAD through the newly established AU Sub-Cluster on Culture and Sports in the framework of the Regional Consultation Mechanism of United Nations system organizations. It also involves the annual technical cooperation planning meetings on culture with the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Expected results at the end of the biennium

• New challenges of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue addressed in cultural policies in Africa, in collaboration with the African Union
• Culture mainstreamed in national development policies in Africa, notably through common country programming exercises in the context of UNCTs
• Knowledge on Africa and on the tragedy of the slave trade reinforced
• Promotion of African languages through publishing and translation
• Promotion of African regional integration through the staging of cultural events
• Strengthening of local African music and crafts markets

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