Since the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions was adopted in October 2005, tremendous technological transformations have taken place. The digital era has significantly changed the cultural landscape and has had a major impact on creative sectors worldwide.

With the emergence of new players, the accelerated expansion of social networks, the explosion of big data and cloud computing, new models of creation, production, distribution, access and participation have emerged. These new models have enabled artists and cultural professional to bypass traditional distribution channels and interact directly with the public and potential audiences or customers.

These changes can be simultaneously advantageous and challenging, and global systems of governance for culture must adapt to this new reality to ensure that the diversity of cultural expressions is protected and promoted. Respect for human rights and artistic freedom in the digital environment, in particular the social and economic rights of artists, is now recognized as a new challenge for sustainable development. This includes the empowerment of women and girls through support for their participation in the cultural and creative industries as creators and producers of cultural expressions.

New questions require new answers:

How can we modernize policies for creativity in the digital environment?

How should we consider e-commerce in trade agreements?

How can we engage local digital players and protect online remuneration for artists? How can we address digital divides and inequalities?