Paris, 21 February 2026. — The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions concluded on 20 February at UNESCO Headquarters, following several days of intensive discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities posed by the digital environment for cultural and creative industries.
During the meeting, States Parties reviewed progress made in implementing recommendations related to the digital environment, including proposed revisions to the Operational Guidelines aimed at better reflecting the impact of the rise of artificial intelligence, particularly generative and large-scale models. The Committee also took note of the results of a preliminary study on feasible legal options to strengthen the Convention’s normative framework in this area.
The Cuban Delegation highlighted the importance of advancing the protection of the diversity of cultural expressions in the digital environment, while denouncing the impact of the tightening of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed against the country, whose consequences directly affect the development of the cultural and creative sector, as well as access to technologies and digital platforms. Cuba also reiterated its support for discussions aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Convention in the digital environment, particularly those related to the possible adoption of an Additional Protocol.
The Committee also examined the implementation of Article 16 on preferential treatment for developing countries and approved the provisional budget (2026–2027) of the International Fund for Cultural Diversity, as well as the projects submitted under its sixteenth call for proposals.
The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention was held from 17 to 20 February 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, with the participation of representatives of States Parties responsible for overseeing the implementation of this international instrument. Cuba has been a State Party to the Convention since 2007 and participated as an Observer in the 19th session of its Intergovernmental Committee.