Speaking at UNESCO: 20 Years of Cultural Diversity

I was honoured to speak at UNESCO’s celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

This was a conversation I approached with both urgency and hope. At a time of profound technological, social and economic change, artists around the world are fighting not only for sustainable livelihoods, but for the stories, perspectives and creative expressions that help us understand what it means to be human.

I spoke about the choices before us: as governments, institutions, artists, audiences and citizens. How we choose to value creativity today will shape the cultural landscape of tomorrow. The decisions we make now will determine whether art, culture and innovation continue to serve humanity with fairness, dignity, ethics and imagination at their core.

What gives me optimism is the growing strength of our creative community. Across disciplines and sectors, I see people coming together to advocate for inclusion, equity and the vital role that creativity plays in society. I believe that culture is not a luxury; it is a public good, a source of connection and empathy, and an essential part of building sustainable futures.

I was delighted to join fellow panellists film director Delyth Thomas and creative AI strategist Delphine Jenart, in conversation with Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians. My thanks to UNESCO, the UK Coalition for Cultural Diversity, Dr Carole Tongue, Holly Aylett, EUNIC, the Society of Authors and the Incorporated Society of Musicians for creating space for such an important and timely discussion.

As we look to the future, my hope is simple: that we continue to build systems, policies and opportunities that protect creative freedom, celebrate cultural diversity and ensure that artists can thrive.

Photo credit: Delphine Jenart