Tunisia is taking part in the 20th session of the UNESCO Committee on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The meeting, which started on September 29, 2026, aims to revise operational guidelines for the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Tunisia's ambassador to UNESCO, Dhia Khaled, emphasized the need to preserve human creativity in the face of rapid transformations driven by artificial intelligence.
The meeting, scheduled to conclude on October 1, 2026, brings together representatives from various countries to discuss the implications of the digital environment on cultural diversity. Khaled stressed the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in the use of AI, as well as prioritizing the preservation of cultural and linguistic diversity online. He also highlighted the need to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to modern technologies and digital infrastructure for developing countries.
The 2005 UNESCO Convention aims to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions and support national cultural policies. Tunisia's participation in the meeting reflects its commitment to preserving cultural diversity in the face of technological advancements. Khaled called for strengthening capacities, training, and knowledge transfer to enable developing countries to harness the benefits of digital technologies.
The rapid growth of AI has raised concerns about its impact on human creativity and cultural diversity. Khaled's intervention underscored the need for a balanced approach that promotes innovation while safeguarding cultural heritage. The UNESCO Committee's revision of operational guidelines is expected to provide a framework for countries to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital environment.
Tunisia's ambassador to UNESCO also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by AI. He called for collaborative efforts to develop policies and strategies that promote cultural diversity and linguistic pluralism online. The meeting provides a platform for countries to share experiences and best practices in protecting cultural diversity in the digital age.
The revision of operational guidelines for the 2005 Convention is a critical step towards ensuring that cultural diversity is protected and promoted in the digital environment. Tunisia's participation in the meeting reflects its commitment to upholding the principles of cultural diversity and promoting a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape. The country's advocacy for cultural diversity protection is expected to contribute to the development of more effective policies and strategies.
The UNESCO meeting is taking place against the backdrop of rapid technological advancements and growing concerns about the impact of AI on human creativity and cultural diversity. The outcome of the meeting is expected to have significant implications for the future of cultural diversity protection and promotion in the digital age. Key issues, such as bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to digital technologies, are expected to be addressed in the revised guidelines.
Key points
- Tunisia's ambassador to UNESCO, Dhia Khaled, emphasized the need to preserve human creativity and cultural diversity in the face of rapid transformations driven by AI.
- The UNESCO Committee's revision of operational guidelines aims to provide a framework for countries to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital environment.
- Tunisia's participation in the meeting reflects its commitment to upholding the principles of cultural diversity and promoting a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape.
