Abstract

With the adoption of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions a new international legal instrument is set up, promoting the diversity of cultural expressions in the world context. International cooperation is a major theme of the Convention, but it is unbalanced, especially where a wider access of many countries to the global market for their cultural activities, goods and services is concerned. The Convention advocates new forms of cooperation, innovative partnerships, which above all means the formulation of new cultural policies and development strategies of international cooperation. The process of its implementation is not a quick one and it requires the engagement of all interested parties, the many actions of the states, international organizations and a multitude of different non-governmental actors around the world, including artists' organizations, civil society, research and cultural organizations, cultural workers and producers. The implementation and the results of the Convention will be the best indicator of its power to affect the process of the establishment of new ways of world interdependence and cooperation.