Foreword by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO

A widespread movement of solidarity was born the day after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. It is time now to transform this momentum into sustainable partnerships and lasting commitments for the country to undertake the long and challenging task of reconstruction.

Playing a central role in Haitian life both economically and socially, culture is a pillar of strength and hope for all of its people. All parts of cultural life were hard hit by the earthquake. UNESCO responded quickly, working with the authorities and local communities to ensure the continuity and revitalization of cultural life. The Haitian authorities confirmed the importance of culture by recognizing it as key component of the social pillar of the Action Plan for National Recovery and Development for Haiti. From the first days, UNESCO established close working relations with all actors in order to take emergency action. These efforts prevented further damage. They provided much-needed psycho-social relief. They have laid the foundations also for a participatory process that is essential for the development of long-term rehabilitation in the culture sector.

UNESCO’s Executive Board established an International Coordination Committee for the Safeguarding of the Haitian Cultural Heritage (ICC) in response to the national authorities’ call for the Organization to play a coordinating role with all actors in the field of culture and to bring all of its expertise and experience to bear. At its first plenary session in July 2010, the ICC adopted Recommendations that provided a roadmap for programmes for action that have been elaborated with a number of national and international partners.

Exemplary acts of solidarity among the Haitian people lie at the heart of our efforts to give culture a more prominent role in the reconstruction process. In this brochure, you will find detailed information about the programmes for action proposed from the cultural angle. They cover all of our fields of expertise. All of them are guided by the goal to assist Haiti rebuilding a free and vibrant society for all Haitians, by improving the material and social conditions for artists, creators, institutions and communities, by protecting and reinvigorating heritage spaces, by coordinating and raising awareness of valuable cultural resources, by building up sustainable infrastructures, and by fostering creativity through education.

Our cooperation will also deepen our partnerships with the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission, civil society, the United Nations family and other national and international agencies. I appeal to the generosity and commitment of our bilateral and multilateral partners in supporting UNESCO’s action for Haiti. The fate of this country is our shared responsibility. I have put all my energy and conviction into this action since last January.

I invite you to join me in this vital challenge.

http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/activities/documents/activity-651-1.pdf