Kilanda highlights potential of culture tourism

Business

PAPUA New Guinea culture has the potential to generate more revenue in tourism, according to the National Cultural Commission (NCC).
NCC executive director Steven Kilanda says the cultural and creative industries were the fastest growing sectors in the world.
“With an estimated global worth of US$4.3 trillion (K15.19 trillion) per year, the culture sector now accounts for 6.1 per cent of the global economy.
“They generate annual revenues of US$2,250 billion (K7,945 billion) and nearly 30 million jobs worldwide, employing more people aged 15 to 29 than any other sector,” he said.
Kilanda said PNG represented only a small fraction of that.
“The cultural and creative industries have become essential for inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities and achieving the goals set out in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda,” Kilanda said.
He said following the first stakeholders workshop on rectification of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Convention (Unesco) on the Promotion and Protection of the Diversity of Cultural Expression (CPPDCE).
“The Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions is a legally binding international agreement that ensures artists, cultural professionals, practitioners and citizens worldwide can create, produce, disseminate and enjoy a broad range of cultural goods, services and activities,” he said.
Kilanda said the adoption of the 2005 CPPDCE was a milestone in international cultural policy.
“The Unesco Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions deserves our attention, consideration and eventual ratification.
“I hope PNG will join New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa as Pacific nations that have ratified this convention.
“Indeed, PNG itself potentially has much to teach the world about living with such diversity on a day-to-day basis,” Kilanda said.