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IN MONTREAL, OAS ACCENTUATES ROLE OF CULTURE IN DEVELOPMENT

Ministers of Culture from Organization of American States (OAS) member countries today opened their third hemispheric meeting in Montreal, Canada, amidst calls for more support for the economies of the Americas as they seek greater access for their cultural products in international markets. The meeting is focused on culture in relation to four broad themes: preservation and presentation of cultural heritage; jobs and poverty-eradication; dignity and identity; and the role of indigenous peoples.

OAS Assistant Secretary General Albert Ramdin, in opening remarks to the Third Inter-American Meeting of Ministers of Culture and Highest Appropriate Authorities, explained culture as vital to integral development, beyond its economic, quantifiable dimensions. He cited World Bank data showing culture accounted for some 7% of global GDP in 2003, and called for further analysis and study “to develop cultural indicators and to measure the contributions of culture to development in each of our member states.”

The OAS Assistant Secretary General stressed the importance of historical sites, cuisine, dance and music in tourism in the region, noting how cultural exchanges and dialogue “represent invaluable tools for crafting more peaceful and stable societies in an environment of mutual respect.” He said the OAS Charter, the Inter-American Democratic Charter and other inter-American instruments articulate these principles.

Ambassador Ramdin called for more vigorous promotion of cultural exchanges between and among OAS member nations. He reiterated the view of the OAS, led by Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, saying that through this Montreal meeting, “We are creating the appropriate environment for the individuals in our hemisphere to realize their full potential within their own cultural values, traditions and ideals as well as peaceful coexistence.”

He also acknowledged the important role of the host government, especially the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Status of Women Beverley Oda, in providing “invaluable leadership” preparing for the conference, and lauded the work of the Inter-American Committee on Culture and its leadership with Canada as chair, and Brazil, Guatemala, Jamaica and the United States as co-chairs.

He expressed particular appreciation to the OAS Department of Education and Culture as technical secretariat of the ministerial meeting, an important purpose of which is to “explore together how we can better design cultural policies that meet the needs of our peoples and respond to the challenges of our times, and improve their well-being and lives in a meaningful way.”

Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications Line Beauchamp addressed the opening session on behalf of the Province’s Premier, Jean Charest, with Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Executive Vice President Ciro de Falco also speaking. Following the opening, Beverley Oda, Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Status of Women delivered the keynote address.

Reference: E-243/06