UNESCO. General Conference; 36th; 36 C/5: volume 1: Draft ...

Major Programme IV
Culture
Reinforcing impact in 2012-2013
04001 The main thrust of document 36 C/5 will be on developing operational activities that
demonstrate the power of culture for sustainable development and dialogue. This
will apply to all Main lines of action (MLAs) under both Biennial Sectoral Priorities
(BSPs). For example, in addition to their contribution to BSP 1, MLAs 1-4 will each
contribute, through operational projects demonstrating the pivotal role of cultural
heritage and cultural expressions in sustainable development, to the achievement of
the expected results under MLAs 5 and 6 in BSP 2 and therefore to the overarching
objective of the Organization’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2008-2013.
Major Programme IV
04002 Work on long-term flagship dialogue projects will be strengthened — the final
volumes of the Histories will be published and all volumes made available on the web.
Teaching materials of the pedagogical utilization of the General History of Africa will
be developed and the work brought to term in the course of the biennium. Likewise,
work on the Slave Route will focus on the development of concrete products focusing
on cultural interactions and the preservation of places of memory.
04003 The new Cities for Sustainable Development Programme will merge work streams
currently undertaken in different parts of the sector to explore the challenges for
the preservation of the ecological balance and social identity of urban communities
embedded in natural, cultural and intangible heritage, while at the same time
fostering cities as the vanguard of creativity, innovation and technology, to increase
their productivity and resilience, thereby improving human development and social
welfare. The Creative Cities Network will be reoriented to maximize the contribution
of member cities as active partners in achieving expected results.
04004 Similarly, the new initiative on Heritage and Dialogue will build on work being
undertaken in South-East Europe by creating expert working groups in all parts
of the world to develop new approaches to complex regional issues relating to
heritage management, conservation and promotion, and facilitating the exchange
of information and development of joint initiatives as well as training and capacitybuilding
and exchanges between professionals. This will be devolved to the field, with
Headquarters undertaking a coordinating and backstopping role.
04005 The preparation of an evidence-based report on Gender and Culture is another new
endeavour which will showcase UNESCO’s role in promoting gender equality in the
fields of culture.
04006 Another major trend of the Programme is to better delineate the responsibilities
between Headquarters and the field. In terms of the six principal Conventions at
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