The 32nd session of UNESCO's General Conference approves unanimously the elaboration by 2005 of an international convention regarding the protection of the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions

Having examined document 32 C/52 containing the Preliminary study on the technical and legal aspects relating to the desirability of a standard-setting instrument on cultural diversity, and the observations made by the Executive Board in that regard at its 166th session,

Having taken note, in accordance with 166 EX/Decision 3.4.3, of the reference to the relevant international legal instruments with regard to cultural diversity, and more particularly the protection of the diversity of cultural contents and artistics expressions (option (d), paragraph 23), the preliminary study reproduced in Appendix 1 of document 32 C/52,

Recalling the efforts made by UNESCO in support of cultural diversity, including the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity,

Emphasizing the importance of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which declares that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers,

Stressing that among the fundamental purposes of UNESCO are the promotion of the free flow of ideas by word and image and the preservation of the independence, integrity and fruitful diversity of culture,

Reaffirming the principle of openness of each culture to all other cultures,

Recognizing the importance to artists and creators of intellectual property protection,

Bearing in mind that when elaborating a new international standard-setting instrument it is essential to take account of existing international legal instruments it is appropriate to this end that the Director-General undertake consultation with WTO, UNCTAD and WIPO,

1. Decides that the question of cultural diversity as regard the protection of the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions shall be the subject of an international convention,

2. Invites the Director-General to submit to the General Conference at its 33rd session, in accordance with Article 10 of the Rules of Procedure concerning recommendation to Member States and international conventions covered by the terms of Article IV, paragraph 4, of the Constitution, a preliminary report setting forth the position with regard to the problem to be regulated and to the possible scope of the regulation action proposed, accompanied by the first draft of a convention on the protection of the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions.