Finland approved the Unesco Convention

These acts concluded the political decision-making process for Finland, and Finland is now in all respects fully ready to join the Convention, which was concluded in Paris in October 2005.

It is envisaged that all the Member States of the European Community, and the Community itself, will adhere to the Convention. This will be subject to a simultaneous deposit to the Director General of Unesco of their Instruments of Ratification, Accession or Acceptance. Finland will refrain from depositing its Instrument until the joint deposit can take place.

Finland is one of the first states to ratify the Convention. Finland’s Minister of Culture, Ms Tanja Saarela, stated in Helsinki that the expedient action by Finland is intended to provide an incentive for other Member States to take measures to become party to the Convention.
Minister Saarela emphasised the importance of prompt measures in all Member States. During its Presidency of the European Community, Finland will invite the European Commission and the Member States to start considering also their future action and policy in the decision-making bodies of the Convention, as well as their concrete contribution to promote cultural diversity.

The Parliament of Finland had earlier, on June 12 approved Finland’s adherence to the Convention, and adopted the Act now signed by the President. During its deliberations, the Parliamentary Committee on Culture considered that the Convention forms an important step in the international cooperation and formulation of cultural policies. It reaffirms the sovereign right of the parties to formulate and implement their cultural policies and to take necessary measures. In this respect the Convention recognises the distinctive nature of cultural activities, goods and services as vehicles of identity, values and meanings.

Further information: Mr Jukka Liedes, Director, Ministry of Education and Culture, tel. +358-40-543 0333