Southsouth-Galaxy

UNESCO Mobilizes Global Network of Experts to Support Creative Sectors Globally

December 21, 2023

30 international experts met to discuss global strategies to support the emergence of dynamic creative sectors in developing countries

UNESCO convened 30 international experts to discuss global strategies to support the emergence of dynamic creative sectors in developing countries during a 3-day training workshop in Buenos Aires from 29 November to 1 December 2023.

The experts are members of the latest cohort of the EU/UNESCO Expert Facility supporting the UNESCO programme “Advancing evidence-based policies and actions, and supporting policy making to enhance the contribution of creative sectors and industries to sustainable development” funded by the European Union.

Guided by the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the promotion and protection of the diversity of cultural expressions, participants were trained on concepts and resources to assist national authorities in creating favourable institutional and professional environments to promote the diversity of cultural expressions and development of their creative economies.

The workshop, which also included the participation of cultural officers from UNESCO Field Offices in different regions, also served as a platform for exchange to discuss the implementation of capacity development, advising on cultural policies, providing expertise and peer-to-peer support for the enhancement of creative sectors, and to create a community of practice.

The EU/UNESCO Expert Facility was established by UNESCO in 2011 to assist countries with the elaboration of policies and strategies for the cultural and creative industries.

The Expert Facility is comprised of 54 international experts (independent consultants, academics and researchers, governmental officials and civil servants, cultural operators, managers of cultural institutions or associations, etc.) with recognized expertise in UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Members have in-depth expertise on issues related to creative industries, cultural entrepreneurship, cultural policy, cultural statistics and indicators, digital, artistic freedom, media diversity, trade, status of the artist, gender equality and intellectual property rights.

“We were honored to host this workshop at the historic Villa Ocampo in Argentina, which is an Antenna Office of UNESCO’s Regional Office in Montevideo,” said Mr. Ernesto Fernandez Polcuch, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Montevideo.

“As the former house of Victoria Ocampo, one of Argentina’s greatest cultural figures, this continues to be a place for intercultural dialogue and exchange, and provided a perfect venue to discuss examples of good policy practices for promoting cultural diversity on local, national and regional levels”, he added.

Participants had the opportunity to visit the project “Abasto Barrio Cultural“, in which a former railway shed for the transfer of goods to the city’s supply market was converted and now functions as a vibrant centre for contemporary art. Since 2019, actions have been promoted to invigorate the independent cultural sector in the area.

Experts were able to see first-hand how the Ministry of Culture of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires implements an innovative cultural policy strategy based on community participation.

Following the training, experts will be called upon to support UNESCO projects in developing countries seeking to establish new regulatory frameworks that strengthen the cultural and creative industries and promote South-South cooperation.

Originally posted by UNESCO. To access the original article, please click here.

Call for Submission

The United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) is pleased to invite submissions of good practices. We seek examples of South-South and triangular cooperation that showcase innovative, impactful, and scalable solutions, demonstrating collaborative efforts among countries of the Global South as well as supported through triangular cooperation involving traditional donors, multilateral organizations, and developed countries.

These good practices will be featured on South-South Galaxy, UNOSSC’s global knowledge-sharing and partnership brokering platform. South-South Galaxy serves as a dynamic digital repository where development practitioners can access solutions, connect with partners, and engage in knowledge exchange. The platform enables real-time access to development solutions, direct connections with solution providers, and interactive learning opportunities.

The call for submissions aims to identify, document, and disseminate good practices that demonstrate the transformative potential of South-South and triangular Cooperation in addressing shared development challenges. By highlighting successful initiatives, UNOSSC aims to inspire further collaboration, foster knowledge exchange, and strengthen the global South-South and triangular Cooperation ecosystem.

Key Objectives

Showcase Success Stories

Highlight effective and replicable South-South and triangular cooperation initiatives that have contributed to sustainable development, poverty reduction, and the achievement of the SDGs

Knowledge Sharing

Facilitate the exchange of experiences, lessons learned, and innovative approaches among stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector

Strengthen Partnerships

Encourage new and strengthened partnerships by demonstrating the value of South-South and triangular cooperation in addressing global challenges and fostering mutual learning

Inform Policy & Practice

Provide evidence-based insights to inform policymaking and programming at national, regional, and global levels

Focus Areas for Submissions

Submissions are welcome for all 17 SDGs. In particular, the submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following thematic areas

Poverty alleviation & Social Inclusion

Education and skills development

Debt Management & Sustainability

Migration & Diaspora Engagement

Climate & Environmental Sustainability

Digital Transformation & Innovation

Food Security & Agricultural Development

Technology Transfer & Capacity Building

    Health & Well-being

    Infrastructure Growth & Connectivity

      Renewable Energy & Energy Access

        Personnel Exchange

        Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment

        Trade, Investment, & Economic Cooperation

        Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience Development

        Submission Criteria

        Horizontal Cooperation

        Horizontal cooperation between two or more countries of the South

        Knowledge Exchange

        Facilitates systematic knowledge transfer between for mutual benefit, addressing complex transnational challenges that require collaborative solutions.

        Innovative

        Present creative approaches to development challenges and/or establishes more effective collaboration methods that enhance developing countries’ competitive advantages.

        Replicable and Adaptable

        Shows potential for implementation in diverse contexts with similar objectives, supported by successful applications or thorough feasibility studies.

        Sustainable

        Advances one or more SDGs through environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable practices that create lasting positive impact without compromising future needs.

        Effective

        Demonstrates strategic relevance in achieving specific SDG-related objectives, with evidence of successful implementation, scaling, and positive impact on communities.

        Technically Feasible

        Features straightforward learning curves and implementation processes.

        Participatory

        Fosters shared ownership of decisions and actions among all stakeholders.

        Who can apply:

        We welcome submissions from a wide range of entities, including but not limited to:

        • UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes
        • International Financial Institutions and multilateral development organizations
        • Government Agencies/ Ministries
        • Civil society organizations
        • Academic and research institutions
        • Private sector entities
        • Philanthropic foundations
        • Regional and sub-regional organizations
        • Centers of Excellence

        Submission Process:

        The submission process has two steps. Complete the attached Word template and send it to us for quality review. After our review, the partner organization can upload the final submission via the South-South Galaxy Online Solutions Submission Form. Please note that registration on South-South Galaxy is required to access the submission form.

        Interested parties are invited to submit their good practices by 30 April 2025 on the enclosed template, followed by the online submission available at https://southsouth-galaxy.org/solutions/create/. For inquiries, please contact at naveeda.nazir@unossc.org

        Due Diligence Process

        All submissions undergo a review process managed by UNOSSC to ensure quality assurance as per the aforementioned criteria for quality assurance.

        Next Steps

        Selected good practices will be showcased on global platforms and presented/ promoted at various forums to enhance their visibility and impact. Contributors will also have the opportunity to participate in peer learning and networking activities.

        Be part of our efforts to harness the power of South-South and triangular Cooperation in driving sustainable development and building a more equitable world. We look forward to receiving your submissions!