In compliance with its international obligations, each State must define and implement its cultural policy, using the means it deems most appropriate, whether it be concrete support or appropriate regulatory frameworks. Given the current imbalances in the flow and exchange of cultural goods at the global level, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation and solidarity so that all countries, in particular developing countries and countries with economies in transition, can build sustainable and competitive cultural industries at the national and international levels. Culture takes different forms through time and space. This diversity is manifested in the originality and plurality of identities that characterize the groups and societies that make up humanity. As a source of exchange, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity is as necessary for humanity as biodiversity is for living organisms. In this regard, it represents the common heritage of humanity and must be recognized and consolidated for the benefit of present and future generations. (b) To establish a reference instrument and forum in which States, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector join forces to jointly develop concepts, objectives and policies that promote cultural diversity; Cultural diversity expands choices for all; It is one of the roots of development, understood not only as economic growth, but also as a means to achieve a satisfying intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. If the free flow of ideas is ensured by words and images, it is necessary to ensure that all cultures can express themselves and make themselves known. Freedom of expression, media pluralism, multilingualism, equal access to artistic expressions, scientific and technological knowledge – including their digital form – and the possibility for all cultures to have access to the means of expression and dissemination guarantee cultural diversity. Market forces alone cannot guarantee that cultural diversity, which is a prerequisite for sustainable human development, will be preserved and promoted. From this point of view, the priority role of public policies in partnership with the private sector and civil society should be strengthened.

The defence of cultural diversity is an ethical imperative inextricably linked to respect for the dignity of the human person. It includes a commitment to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the rights of persons belonging to both minorities and indigenous peoples. No one may invoke cultural diversity to violate or limit the scope of human rights guaranteed by international law. â Professor Doctor of International Law (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid). Author of several books on the rights of indigenous peoples, human rights and cultural diversity among them: Cultural rights are an integral part of human rights, which are universal, indivisible and interdependent. The development of creative diversity requires the full realization of cultural rights as defined in article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and articles 13 and 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Therefore, everyone has the right to express, create and disseminate himself in the language he wishes, especially in his mother tongue; everyone has the right to quality education and training that fully respects his or her cultural identity; Everyone must be able to participate in the cultural life of his choice and practice his own cultural practices within the limits resulting from respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It works for greater solidarity based on the recognition of cultural diversity, on the awareness of the unity of humanity and on the promotion of cultural exchanges. In our increasingly diverse societies, it is essential to ensure harmonious interaction between individuals and groups with diverse, diverse and dynamic cultural identities, as well as the willingness to live together. Policies that promote the inclusion and participation of all citizens ensure social cohesion, the vitality of civil society and peace.

Thus defined, cultural pluralism is the political response to the reality of cultural diversity. Inextricably linked to a democratic context, cultural pluralism fosters cultural exchange and the development of creative skills that support public life. Creativity has its origins in cultural traditions, but develops completely in contact with other cultures. For this reason, heritage in all its forms must be preserved, valued and transmitted to future generations as a testimony to human experiences and aspirations, in order to stimulate creativity in all its diversity and stimulate a genuine dialogue between cultures. La Paz, Fondo Indãgena-AECI, La Paz, 2003; Fernando Mariã±o and Juan Daniel Oliva Martãnez, Avances en la protecciã³n de los derechos de los pueblos indãgenas, eds., Madrid, Dykinson, 2004; International Cooperation with Indigenous Peoples: Development and Human Rights, CIDEAL, Madrid, 2005 and J. Daniel Oliva Martãnez and Diego Blázquez, eds., Human rights in the face of international challenges to cultural diversity, Tirant lo Blanch, Valencia, 2007. His thesis, which received the Extraordinary Doctoral Prize (2005), was entitled «The Protection of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Foundation, Educational Contexts and Normative Recognition in International Law». He is academic©coordinator of the Master in Solidarity Action and co-director of the title of expert on indigenous peoples, human rights and international cooperation at the Carlos III University of Madrid.

He was an advisor (2004-2007) to the indigenous program of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation±. recalls the provisions on cultural diversity and the exercise of cultural rights contained in the international instruments proclaimed by UNESCO [1], proclaims and adopts the following principles: (c) its work aimed at norm-setting, raising awareness and capacity-building in the areas related to this Declaration corresponding to its areas of competence; Continue; (a) Promote the incorporation of the principles set forth in the present Declaration into the development strategies developed in the various intergovernmental entities; The second part of this article will be published in our next issue (Volume 21.2).