UNESCO COP 2025 review: a step forward for the diversity of cultural expressions in the digital age
The French Coalition for Cultural Diversity participated in the 10th Conference of Parties (COP) to the 2005 UNESCO Convention, held in Paris. This edition marked an important step in the recognition of issues related to the diversity of cultural expressions in the digital environment.
Towards an additional protocol on digital
The Ministers of Culture of the 158 States Parties expressed their common will to develop an additional protocol to the Convention, specifically dedicated to the challenges of the digital age. This decision is in line with the recommendations made by the UNESCO expert group, hosted by the Coalition at the SACD in November 2024. The aim is to better regulate the practices of digital platforms, algorithms and artificial intelligence systems.
Artificial intelligence at the centre of discussions
The Conference also launched a process to review the Convention’s operational guidelines in order to adapt them to the rapid developments in generative artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to preserve the fundamental principles of the Convention in the face of technological transformations that impact creation, copyright and cultural ecosystems.
However, this important step taken by UNESCO must be accompanied by increased vigilance on several aspects:
- Transparency of AI systems regarding data use;
- Fair and equitable remuneration for creators and rights holders;
- Assessment of the impact of recommendation algorithms on content diversity;
- Support for independent creators and local cultural ecosystems.
International mobilisation led by the IFCCD
The International Federation of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity (IFCCD) played a central role in the work of this COP. Its commitment to balanced digital regulation in the service of cultural diversity was widely welcomed.
20 years of the 2005 Convention: a committed anniversary
COP 2025 was also an opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Convention. Several ministers of culture – notably from France, Quebec, Canada and Brazil – took the floor to reaffirm the importance of this founding text in a context of profound change in modes of creation and dissemination.
In conclusion, COP 2025 marks a turning point: States recognise that cultural diversity cannot be fully protected without determined action in the digital sphere. This recognition is in line with the commitments made by the French Coalition!