Published:  00:00 Sunday - December 14, 2008

The first ever Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) seminar on preserving and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions will take place in Hanoi on Dec. 15.

Organised by the European Commission and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the seminar aims to discuss questions relating to the diversity of cultural expressions, including reflections on the importance of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

The adoption of the 2005 UNESCO convention has, for the first time in history, established a set of principles, rights and obligations which can be considered a cultural pillar for global governance. Ninety-three countries from around the world, as well as the European Community, have ratified this document in an unprecedented development in international relations. Vietnam ratified the convention in August 2007.

During the two-day seminar, senior national officials, decision-makers and representatives of Asian and European cultural sectors will gather to discuss and share their experiences.

The discussion will focus on a number of topics: public policies for cultural diversity, Asian and European experiences, balancing cultural exchanges in and between Europe and Asia and trade perspectives.