The General Conference of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), held in Paris from October 3-21, adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Cultural Contents and Artistic Expressions by a vote of 148-2. The Convention, which is non-binding, sets the norm for the protection and promotion of cultural diversity and reinforces the 2001 UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. The Convention contains policies and measures for the protection of cultural expression, especially for minority groups, such as women and indigenous peoples. To enhance the international promotion and cooperation of cultural expression, an International Fund for Cultural Diversity will be established, drawing funds from voluntary parties and UNESCO. Member states must ratify UNESCO Conventions, which are the most solemn of UNESCO's normative instruments.
