The European Cultural Pole "Semafor" has announced its support for the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (ISESCO) Cultural Rights Charter. This move is significant in the dialogue and promotion of cultural rights led by ISESCO. The announcement was made during the 50th session of the "World Thinkers as ISESCO Guests" program, held on September 16, 2026, via video communication. The session was titled "Cultural Rights in the Islamic World" and was attended by Andre Viertié, writer and founder of "Semafor", and Mira Gouvernedji, director of the pole and specialist in cultural accessibility.
ISESCO's Cultural Rights Charter aims to establish a framework for policymakers, public and private officials, and citizens in member states to promote participation in cultural life without discrimination. The charter consists of 20 articles covering three areas: legislation regulating culture, the right to culture, and cultural rights in a comprehensive sense. ISESCO organized an international symposium on July 2, 2026, on the "ISESCO Project for Cultural Rights Charter in the Islamic World", which was attended by 60 experts and representatives from national committees of 17 member states.
The charter's goal is to promote cultural rights and ensure recognition of diversity. ISESCO's Director of Culture, Dr. Mohamed Zine El Abidine, emphasized that the organization's current priority is to ensure recognition of everyone in their diversity. He called for an approach to cultural rights that takes into account the cultural diversity of member states and makes them progress in implementing these rights. Sidi Ahmed Jouad, from ISESCO's Young Professionals Program, presented an overview of the initiative and the charter.
Andre Viertié, founder of "Semafor", discussed the motivations behind his book "Cultural Citizenship: Legal Reality, Stakes, and Prospects", which advocates for building an environment that enables individuals to exercise their cultural rights effectively. Mira Gouvernedji presented a book titled "Culture and Disability: Fifty Years of History... A Half-Century Path of Transformations in Concepts, Policies, and Practices", which she co-authored with Andre Viertié. The book highlights the need to develop a concept of cultural accessibility to ensure full participation in cultural life.
ISESCO aims to activate the charter within member states to strengthen the position of cultural rights in public policies. The organization seeks to promote cultural rights and highlight their deep connection to Islamic civilization values, such as respect for diversity, tolerance, dialogue, and cooperation. The charter is expected to serve as a reference framework for stakeholders.
The support from "Semafor" for ISESCO's Cultural Rights Charter is seen as a significant step towards promoting cultural rights. The collaboration between the two organizations is expected to enhance cultural accessibility and promote diversity. ISESCO's efforts to promote cultural rights are part of its broader mission to foster dialogue and understanding among cultures.
The event and the charter have generated significant interest among cultural stakeholders. ISESCO's initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on promoting cultural rights and accessibility. The organization's efforts to engage experts and representatives from member states demonstrate its commitment to promoting cultural rights and cooperation.
Key points
- ISESCO's Cultural Rights Charter aims to establish a framework for promoting cultural rights in member states.
- The charter consists of 20 articles covering three areas: legislation regulating culture, the right to culture, and cultural rights.
- The European Cultural Pole "Semafor" has announced its support for ISESCO's Cultural Rights Charter.
