Culture as a factor that calls and strengthens the identity and cooperation in Iberoamerica was discussed at the Iberoamerican Conference of Ministers of Culture in Panama.
The ministries met to discuss the Iberoamerican cultural space and the issues that will be adopted at the XXIII Summit of Heads of State and Government in October in Panama, said a statement from the Panamenian Foreign Ministry.
Among the conclusions were to fight the common threats of cultural homogenization and strengthen cooperation for the training and protection of copyright through the establishment of a common Iberoamerican market.
The Ibero-American Secretary General, Enrique Iglesias, said that despite the crisis, "clipped the wings of the encouragement," there is the perception that culture "is a factor that convenes and mobilizes young people by linking and transcending borders. "
"We need to include awareness raising in our daily work, "said Iglesias.
The director of the National Institute of Culture (INAC) of Panama, Maruja Herrera, said the Iberoamerican Conference is a "reflection process among member countries to achieve a better opportunity for cultural management.”
Secretary General of the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), Alvaro Marchesi, agreed with Iglesias in that Iberoamerica leans on its “cultural identity”. Latin America has as its fulcrum "cultural identity".
Marchesi underlined to "make politicians and civil society aware about the culture as a spiritual and economic value".
"There is a very wide field of cultural cooperation of Iberoamerican American countries because they have share values. But we need to find ways for more opportunities for cultural management, "said Marchesi.
Ministers of culture and high officials from eight countires participated in the conference.
The meeting made possible an exchange of opinions and reflections on the role of culture in the world of technology and an analysis of projects related to cultural mobility and children's theater, the statement indicates.
Also discussed was the cultural expression in the internet as a forum of consultations in order to adapt contents and objectives.
Another theme was further development of the Iberoamerican Cultural Charter and its actions plan as a reference for the development of cultural policies to consolidate the Iberoamerican cultural space.
The participants discussed a stronger promotion of Iberoamerican cultural economy, better conditions for the regulation, protection and movement of goods, services and cultural content in the region.
The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the INAC, Secreatary General of Iberoamerica and the OEI.