Resolution 2007/31: Concerning Cultural Diversity

Resolution 2007/31: Concerning Cultural Diversity

Committee: Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
Submitted by: The Principality of Monaco

The General Assembly, of The United Nations,

Noting the findings of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that cultural diversity is a key factor of sustainable development,

Further noting the UNESCO Universal Declaration's key aims of ensuring "harmonious coexistence and willingness to live together peacefully" and the defence of "diverse creativity and the multiplicity of cultural expressions",

Emphasises the realisation of UNESCO that there must be a translation into action for the Declaration to serve any purpose;

1. Requests that nations in particular pledge to promote intercultural dialogue, act in favour of indigenous peoples and adopt a cultural approach to HIV-AIDS as recommended by UNESCO,

2. Further requests that nations pledge to commit significant funding to cultural ends, not only for their own sustainable development, but for worldwide benefit,

3. Calls attention to the efforts made in Monaco to achieve these ends, not least of all the subsidisation of an opera house, a ballet company and an orchestra and the annual investment of $3.1 million into a major arts exhibition, as possible modi operandi,

4. Calls for nations to acknowledge and accept the findings of UNESCO, pledging their support to increase cultural diversity and the potential for sustainable development.

Out of Character

Reply 1

China is fully committed to this cause. We believe in promoting Cultural Diversity, and recognise the need for developing 'cultural approaches' when combatting sensitive issues. We are open to allocating resources to this end, and encourage other nations to do likewise.

Reply 2

OP

Craghyrax

China is fully committed to this cause. We believe in promoting Cultural Diversity, and recognise the need for developing 'cultural approaches' when combatting sensitive issues. We are open to allocating resources to this end, and encourage other nations to do likewise.

The Monegasque representative welcomes China's support for this resolution. However, the representative would move to point out that Chinese censorship could be construed as the stifling of cultural diversity and that perhaps a renew of this policy is in order, in light of China's support for this resolution.

Reply 3

China would like to point out that censorship in no way hinders points 1, 2 or 4 of the proposed resolution. Sustainable development, and pandemics such as HIV/AIDS are issues that China approaches with the gravity and urgency due. Point 3 calls for no particular action on our part; thus China considers itself of a mind to approve this. As to the Monagasque representative's concerns as to cultural diversity being stifled, China believes that it is our prerogative to define which elements of social expression form part of its culture, and which do not. We act with our nation's best interests central to policy.

Reply 4

ukebert

13

Liechtenstein strongly agrees with the representative from monoco (who by the way seems to be pleasingy active), and would also like to call the GA's attention to its own impeccable record in this area.

Reply 5

OP

Craghyrax

China would like to point out that censorship in no way hinders points 1, 2 or 4 of the proposed resolution. Sustainable development, and pandemics such as HIV/AIDS are issues that China approaches with the gravity and urgency due. Point 3 calls for no particular action on our part; thus China considers itself of a mind to approve this. As to the Monagasque representative's concerns as to cultural diversity being stifled, China believes that it is our prerogative to define which elements of social expression form part of its culture, and which do not. We act with our nation's best interests central to policy.

The Monegasque representative would like to commend China's efforts in this area and support for the resolution, however, it was found by UNESCO that an integral part of culture is exhibited through the appreciation of foreign culture and also that true culture cannot be subject to control. The Monegasque would therefore ask the Chinese government to consider its attitude towards censorship, particularly in areas that may stifle domestic and international cultural exchange.

Reply 6

We find the Monegasque representative's uncooperative attitude frustrating. As such we shall be abstaining from this resolution, as the said representative does not appear to consider our support as valid. We would like to suggest that the represent put forward a resolution to be discussed amongst the GA if it has any complaints to levy at us. At the same time we would like to point out that our internal policies are hardly of interest or concern to the IC.

OOC

Its a nice ressy though.

Reply 9

Dempy

The People's Democratic Republic of Korea opposes this resolution on the grounds of points 1 and possibly 4. We feel that our unique culture can not tolerate the polluting cultures of other states, espescially those of the west. We are a united people, we do not wish ourselves to be fractionised by non-Korean influences.

As a nation we already hold great artistic events, parades and other festivities for the enjoyment of our peope, not to mention our wonderful television. So The People's Democratic Republic of Korea feels points 2 and 3 would have little effect on our country.

Reply 10

OP

Dempy

The People's Democratic Republic of Korea opposes this resolution on the grounds of points 1 and possibly 4. We feel that our unique culture can not tolerate the polluting cultures of other states, espescially those of the west. We are a united people, we do not wish ourselves to be fractionised by non-Korean influences.

As a nation we already hold great artistic events, parades and other festivities for the enjoyment of our peope, not to mention our wonderful television. So The People's Democratic Republic of Korea feels points 2 and 3 would have little effect on our country.

The Monegasque representative was merely re-iterating the findings of UNESCO, with regards to the benefits of international cultural exchange. The representative would point out that the Principality of Monaco, for example, holds a very unique culture, one that has only been enhanced through prolong international exchange.

The Monegasque representative would also like to make it clear that attempts to promote culture are more than welcomed and commends the efforts of The People's Democratic Republic of Korea in this sense, but also urges that the nation considers the benefits of allowing international cultural discourse.

The Monegasque representative is pleased that the motion has passed.

Out of Character

Reply 11

OP

Craghyrax

China would like to point out that censorship in no way hinders points 1, 2 or 4 of the proposed resolution. Sustainable development, and pandemics such as HIV/AIDS are issues that China approaches with the gravity and urgency due. Point 3 calls for no particular action on our part; thus China considers itself of a mind to approve this. As to the Monagasque representative's concerns as to cultural diversity being stifled, China believes that it is our prerogative to define which elements of social expression form part of its culture, and which do not. We act with our nation's best interests central to policy.

The Monegasque representative would like to make it clear that China's support for the resolution is very much welcomed and that the representative is not faulting China on any one specific point of said resolution.

However, as the representative has pointed out, the remainder of the UNESCO report does cover areas such as censorship stating that an integral part of culture is exhibited through the appreciation of foreign culture and also that true culture cannot be subject to control. And it is to enhance China's efforts that the representative calls for consideration of China's censorship policies.

Reply 12