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International Cultural Policy Conference |
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Spindelegger at the opening of the International Cultural Policy ConferenceVienna, 10 September 2009 - "20 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain, old and new forms of borders are presenting us with new challenges, and Austrian international cultural policy can make an essential contribution to overcoming these. Our time requires new political responses, and also generates new sets of questions. Art, with its integrative potential, is sometimes ahead of politics in considering hitherto unseen contexts, and in allowing new forms of cooperation and coexistence", said Foreign Minister Spindelegger in connection with this year’s International Cultural Policy Conference in the Künstlerhaus, titled "Border-less? – Twenty years after the end of the Cold War. How „border-less“ should Austrian international cultural policy be?". "International cultural policy is an integral part of foreign policy work. All areas of the Austrian society benefit from the impulses created by culture, especially from a positive image of Austria", stressed Spindelegger, adding that "despite the tight budget, I am committed to a targeted development of international cultural policy, since it creates a win-win situation for all those involved." In this context, the Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of multilateral cultural policy: "Especially in the context of UNESCO, we must make clear where the potential for positive change lies. UNESCO must be a credible and strong voice for the promotion of cultural diversity, understanding, science, and education, especially that of girls and women. In the person of EU Commissioner Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, we have an outstanding Austrian candidate for the upcoming election of the UNESCO Director General", said Spindelegger. "Today more than ever before, good foreign policy deals with the dialogue of cultures, the serious debate on cultural differences and common features, and on the coexistence of people from different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. When we demand joint responsibility from others, we need to demonstrate intercultural competence and willingness for dialogue and partnership beforehand. This is the only way to advocate universal values of freedom, equal participation and solidarity for the people more convincingly than religious fanaticism and totalitarian ideologies can", said Spindelegger. As a centre of peace and dialogue, Vienna and Austria have a particular role to play in the international efforts to promote understanding among nations and conflict resolution: "Austria is a suitable place of encounter. This is also true for our 30 cultural forums and 100 representations worldwide. Their work, and the exchange and inter-human communication they initiate contribute toward bringing down borders in people’s minds", Spindelegger concluded.
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