Cultural Diversity Programming Lens Toolkit

UNESCO,
11 January 2008, Thailand

An interdisciplinary tool to systematically analyse and evaluate whether programmes, policies, and practices promote the concept and principles of cultural diversity.

Cultural diversity is, by definition, an enduring and central feature of the United Nations system in general and, more particularly of UNESCO, which is entrusted with the mandate to ensure the preservation and 'promotion of the fruitful diversity of cultures'.

However, the threats and impact of globalization, increasingly open markets, and advanced communication and information technologies in contemporary times have posed new challenges for the safeguarding of cultural pluralism.

UNESCO Bangkok has formulated a framework or mechanism - the 'cultural diversity programming lens' - that fosters cultural diversity at a more concrete level. Generally speaking, the cultural diversity programming lens is an interdisciplinary tool to systematically analyze and evaluate whether programmes, policies, and practices promote the concept and principles of cultural diversity. Like a lens that serves as an aid to improve vision, the cultural diversity programming lens provides a new way of seeing and thinking cultural diversity issues. Designed to be used by policy-makers, programme managers, and community leaders who work in both non-culture and culture-related sectors, the lens allows them to make a more informed and effective decision about their projects, policies, and programmes.

The current version of the lens toolkit was drafted after months of collecting constructive inputs from many workshop participants and UNESCO Bangkok staff, and incorporating their invaluable ideas and comments in the refinement of the toolkit.

The lens toolkit contains a general introduction on the cultural diversity programming lens, a step-by-step guide on how to use and develop a lens, draft general framework, and four thematic lenses. It further includes a copy of the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, an introduction to 'indicators', and the key terms and definitions.

http://www.unescobkk.org/index.php?id=3202&tx_mininews_pi1[showUid]=215&cHash=4c610f09c3