The safeguarding of cultural diversity is an enduring and central theme of the United Nations system in general and, more particularly of UNESCO, which is entrusted with the mandate to ensure the preservation and "promotion of the fruitful diversity of cultures" by virtue of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.

This mandate has been emphasized through a variety of resolutions and initiatives, such as the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the adoption of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Such international agreements set out a platform that links together the issues of cultural diversity, peace and development, and the role of the state in fostering pluralism. These agreements also highlight the need for policy makers to take these issues into condiseration at both national and international level, and emphasize the need for promotion of intercultural dialogue.

However, the issues of globalization, increasingly open markets, and rapid changes in information and communication technologies are posing new challenges for the safeguarding of cultural pluralism.

In such a context, UNESCO's role in calling for the protection of our diverse global cultural heritage has become even more crucial. Increasingly, UNESCO has created platforms, through its programmes and fora, for dialogue about protecting and promoting cultural tolerance and pluralism and related matters.

Because "cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature", UNESCO stands firm in safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity as one of its principal objectives in the Asia-Pacific Region.

As part of the medium-term strategy for the years 2002-2007, UNESCO aims to "draft and implement standard-setting instruments in the cultural field, particularly towards the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage; safeguard cultural diversity; and foster dialogue among cultures and civilizations". These objectives have been clearly emphasized and incorporated into the regional priorities and strategies.

Currently, practical tools and methodologies are being developed and mainstreamed into various programmes and projects to translate UNESCO’s objectives into a reality at both national and international levels.

It is in this context that UNESCO Bangkok formulated a framework or mechanism, henceforth called "cultural diversity programming lens", that fosters cultural diversity and aims to mainstream its principles into programming at a more concrete level. Generally speaking, the cultural diversity lens is an interdisciplinary tool to systematically analyze and evaluate whether UNESCO's programmes, policies and practices, and those of UNESCO’s key partners in Member States, do in fact incorporate and promote the principles enshrined in the adopted Declarations and Conventions.

Like a lens that serves as an aid to improve vision, the cultural diversity lens provides a new way of seeing and thinking cultural diversity issues. Designed to be used by policy-makers, programme managers, and community leaders who work in both non-culture and culture-related sectors, the lens allows them to make a more informed and effective decision about their projects, policies, and programmes.

16 May 2008: Cultural Diversity Programming Lens Training Workshop

A 1-day workshop will be organized for the UNCT East Timor, to introduce the benefits of culturally-appropriate approaches to programming. The draft UNDAF will be analyzed through the lens.