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Bolivia celebrates its rich cultural heritage
On June 11 and 12 2024, the preparation of the Periodic Report on the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in the Plurinational State of Bolivia was launched within the framework of the project "Rethinking Policies for Creativity and Artistic Freedom", financed by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).
The activity, held in the city of La Paz in hybrid format, was attended by more than 300 people, including representatives of the public, private and civil society sectors, from various creative sectors in different parts of Bolivia.
Bolivia's Minister of Cultures, Decolonization and Depatriarchalization, Esperanza Guevara, reiterated the opportunity to work together with various actors of society in the protection and promotion of cultural and creative economies in Bolivia.
"As Bolivia's Minister of Cultures, Decolonization and Depatriarchalization, I reaffirm our commitment to work in collaboration with UNESCO, our international partners and our civil society to ensure that our cultural expressions are protected, promoted and celebrated to the fullest extent."
This quadrennial report will be drafted collectively as a tool to assess progress, identify challenges and share best practices in the implementation of the Convention, which aims to ensure that artists, cultural professionals, practitioners and citizens can create, produce, disseminate and enjoy a wide range of cultural goods, services and activities, including their own.
It is important to note that in an effort to promote the diversity of visions and to produce a more complete report, this is the first time that Bolivia has produced a report with open consultations with civil society, which shows a strong commitment on the part of the authorities to involve all parties.
UNESCO Promotes New Partnerships and Cultural Projects in Bolivia
During her visit to Bolivia, UNESCO's Culture Specialist for Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay, Alcira Sandoval Ruiz, met with various entities and organizations to work on strategic alliances related to the country's cultural sphere.
Among other initiatives, work will be carried out with a group of researchers on the underwater heritage of Lake Titicaca.
In addition, a meeting of Bolivian World Heritage site managers will be held with the authorities of Samaipata and the Ministry of Cultures, Decolonization and Depatriarchalization.
There will also be a training day on illicit trafficking of cultural property and heritage protection.
Meetings were held with various stakeholders, including other agencies, funds and programs of the United Nations System in Bolivia with a view to carrying out more projects.
UNESCO will continue to support Bolivia in everything necessary to strengthen and protect its cultural heritage. This event marks a significant step in Bolivia's commitment to the preservation and celebration of its cultural heritage, in close collaboration with UNESCO and other key actors.
