On October 10, 2024, Chile’s Ministry of Cultures, in collaboration with UNESCO, hosted the international seminar “Civil Society as a Driver of Cultural Diversity,” underscoring Chile’s efforts to foster cultural diversity through UNESCO’s 2005 Convention. I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote on “Opening the Government of Culture,” examining how civil society’s involvement can reshape cultural policies for greater inclusivity and transparency. In my address, I highlighted practical strategies to expand access to resources and broaden participation in cultural governance.
During the seminar, Chile’s IV Periodic Report (2020–2024) was presented, featuring 54 cultural measures co-created with civil society. This report demonstrated the country’s commitment to integrating diverse voices into cultural planning and ensuring broader support for creative expression. The recognition of Concepción as a UNESCO Creative City of Music further showcased the transformative potential of creative territories in advancing cultural development.
Overall, the seminar emphasized reimagining governance, fostering collaboration, and empowering civil society to drive cultural diversity, paving the way for more equitable and inclusive cultural policies.
All the information (in Spanish) is here.