UNESCO launches in Barbados new study on cultural trade policies for the Caribbean

The launch of UNESCO's first impact study, “Culture in the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement”, will take place in Bridgetown, Barbados, on 5 November, 2019. Hon. John A. King, Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports of Barbados, will open the event. This research analyses in particular the impact of the Agreement’s Protocol on Cultural Cooperation, one of the first dedicated to culture within any existing North-South regional trade agreement. To mark the publication of this study, supported though the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals, the launch will be accompanied by public discussion. Throughout the day, participants will explore ways to mobilize CARIFORUM countries to create conditions for more balanced cultural trade and stronger mobility facilities for artists, as well as strengthened support mechanisms for creative sectors. 

The launch will be followed by a sub-regional workshop on “Advancing preferential treatment for culture” from 6 to 7 November. Organized as part of the Aschberg programme, this training prepared in cooperation with the UNESCO Chair on the diversity of cultural expressions (Laval University, Québec, Canada) will put the focus on  the benefits and challenges arising from the implementation of preferential treatment measures, as called for by Article 16 (“Preferential treatment for developing countries”) of the 2005 Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. Experts will lead the discussion on emerging policy challenges for the Caribbean region, including in the digital environment. The sessions will be attended by key intergovernmental and governmental officials, European Union high representatives as well as culture and trade professionals from Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.