We are writing to invite you to join us at a meeting on Cultural Diversity, Social Cohesion and Sustainable Development: Cultural diversity for human development, alleviating poverty, overcoming inequality and promoting empowerment, taking place in Dakar, Senegal from 17-20 November 2005. All those working to counter the corrosive affects of globalization on world cultures should plan to attend this important gathering, which is also the 6th Annual Meeting of the International Network for Cultural Diversity. The Senegal meeting is taking place at a critical time. Only a few weeks before, the General Conference of UNESCO is expected to approve the terms of the Convention on cultural diversity that has been at the forefront of the INCD's work since its first meeting in 2000. We will look at the results. But even the most effective possible Convention, while an essential foundation, will not bring diversity. Achieving greater cultural diversity requires the development of cultural capacity and creative industries and more balance in the global exchange of cultural goods and services. We will explore these issues as well. The meeting also follows the second World Summit on the Information Society and this will be an important opportunity to discuss issues of media ownership and pluralism, public access and the content being delivered by the digital networks. The meeting is being held in conjunction with the meeting of culture ministers organized in the International Network on Cultural Policy. All delegates to our meeting will have an opportunity to interact informally with the culture ministers at what is sure to be an exciting joint social and cultural event on 20 November being hosted by the Minister of Culture of Senegal. The conclusions of the meeting will be presented to the ministers' meeting on 21 November. The meeting will examine the issues from the perspective of six interest areas and we are particularly eager to have representatives with interests in these areas:

media reform and the role of public service

broadcasting and community media

building a local music industry

building a local film industry

developing writers and local publishing

developing local and traditional crafts, and ethnocultural groups. The issues to be addressed will include:

Review of case studies to demonstrate how it is possible to alleviate poverty and achieve equality by developing creative industries.

The responsibility of public and private development agencies to collaborate with, and fund, local cultural projects, and to integrate cultural impact assessment into development frameworks and processes.

Analyze the potential of the new UNESCO Convention and develop a campaign around it.

Review the ongoing trade negotiations and develop an INCD strategy to respond the continuing challenges. As funds are obtained, INCD will be offering to sponsor a limited number of delegates to ensure there is a broad range of delegates from around the world. If you require financial assistance in order to attend, you must let us know as soon as possible. Replies should be forwarded to Ms. Albanela Pérez-Suárez, INCD Coordinator, who is responsible for Conference administrative matters, along with Mr. Ibrahima Seck, INCD Central and West African Coordinator. For additional information about the content of the Conference, contact Mr. Garry Neil, INCD Executive Director. Updated information about the Conference will be available, HERE