A cultura como fator do desenvolvimento sustentável: uma análise da implementação da convenção sobre a proteção e promoção da diversidade das expressões culturais

Abstract

The present work aims to analyze how the implementation of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions contributes to sustainable development at global and national level. Firstly, it analyses how culture is related to sustainable development in the perspective of international society, examining its inclusion in international debates and programs for sustainable development. It investigates the Convention’s provisions, its approach of the sustainable development and the central measures established for the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions. It verifies the results already achieved by the Convention regarding the sustainable development, at global and national level, analyzing three aspects of its implementation: the legitimation of national cultural policies; the pursuit of a more balanced flow of cultural goods and services, with integration of developing countries in the cultural market; and the operationalization of the International Fund for Cultural Diversity. Finally, it evaluates which are the challenges and prospects for the Convention’s future. The work was essentially based on documental research and bibliographical review, with an explanatory perspective and a qualitative model, based on the evaluation and interpretation of the information collected. It verified that the Convention’s implementation has been producing some positive results, but did not have major impacts globally, notably because of its non-binding nature. It concluded that the real commitment of the parties responsible for its implementation is necessary in order to strengthen its political and symbolic character and to improve its results.