Recent developments

International Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organizations (Rome Convention, 1961) - Intergovernmental Committee: Twentieth Ordinary Session, 7-9 September 2009, Geneva
The ILO/UNESCO/WIPO Rome Convention of 1961 covers copyright in music, acting and other related areas, and now has over 85 States parties. The Rome Convention was an important early standard in the field of intellectual property and the respective rights of performers, producers and broadcasters. The ILO, UNESCO and WIPO constitute the joint Secretariat of the Committee. The agenda of the twentieth ordinary session of the Intergovernmental Committee covers the application and operation of the Rome Convention.

Strengthening the Creative Industries in Five ACP Countries through Employment and Trade Expansion is the first large-scale poverty-reduction initiative targeting the creative industries in developing countries.

Managed by the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) and funded by the European Commission, this four-year pilot project implemented jointly by the ILO, UNCTAD and UNESCO aims to strengthen the creative industries in Fiji, Mozambique, Senegal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zambia.

Through offering policy guidance to decision-makers as well as providing entrepreneurship training for people working in the creative sector, this project is tackling the challenges facing the creative industries using a two-pronged “top-down” and “bottom-up” approach.

The results of this pilot project will provide valuable lessons for other developing countries wanting to invest in strengthening the performance and competitiveness of their creative industries as a way of reducing poverty and promoting sustainable economic and social development. For more information, please visit the websites of our project partners:

• ACP
• ILO Boosting Employment through Small Enterprise Development (EMP/SEED)
• UNCTAD Creative Economy and Industries Programme
• UNESCO Culture Sector
• European Commission (EC) External Cooperation Programmes

Situational analyses and consultations with stakeholders have been carried out in the five countries. Initial country missions were also carried out to assess challenges and opportunities, consult with stakeholders and establish local teams, as follows:

• Lusaka, Zambia: 28 July to 1 August 2008
  3 international and 3 local officials; meeting with around 20 individuals and with one meeting for 30 stakeholders.
• Maputo, Mozambique: 30 August to 6 September 2008
  4 international and 3 local officials; meeting with around 30 individuals and with two meetings for a total of 60 stakeholders.
• Dakar, Senegal: 1 to 7 November 2008
  3 international and 3 local officials; meeting with around 50 individuals and with one meeting for 30 stakeholders.
• Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: 1 to 6 December 2008
  3 international and 3 local officials; meeting with around 50 individuals and with one meeting for 43 stakeholders.
• Suva, Fiji: 2 to 6 March 2009
  3 international and 3 local officials; meeting with around 20 individuals and with one meeting for 30 stakeholders.