05 Nov 2013

Government has commenced the process of ratifying the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Delivering his State-of-the-Nation Address on Monday, November 4, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama said ratifying the convention would enhance culture’s contribution to development.

He said the convention also promoted awareness and respect for the diversity of cultural expressions at local, national and international levels. President Khama said the President’s Day Competitions and Constituency Art Competitions had contributed to a reawakening of the country’s cultural values and practices, adding that the two competitions also promoted artistic talent among the youth.

He observed that both competitions had grown significantly in terms of participation since they were incepted. He pointed that participation in the President’s Day Competitions stood at 14 061 this year compared to 12 562 in 2012. He added that the Constituency Arts Competitions held between January- March attracted 18 640 participants compared to 12 599 in August last year.

Lt Gen. Khama said in a mission to promote the arts and crafts industry, government has insisted on purchasing of locally produced arts and crafts. This is done to expand their market and improve the livelihoods of artists. He said crafts valued at a total of P336, 242 have been bought by government departments,ministries, organisations and individuals. ENDS