UNESCO's largest programme in Latin American and the Caribbean, Transcultura is a four-year initiative for young cultural professionals, artists and entrepreneurs from 17 Caribbean countries. Implemented in 3 languages, it provides them with opportunities for their future, in the region and in Europe, through training, support to entrepreneurship, networking and mobility programs. With 15 million euros (16.5 million US dollars) provided by the European Union (EU), Transcultura is also the most significant EU investment in culture in the region.
A major cultural impact in 17 countries
In four years, over 1,600 young people from 17 Caribbean SIDS have benefited from the programme, with more than 50% being women. Through a combination of in-person and online courses, 600 cultural professionals have been trained. Transcultura has also facilitated cooperative cultural exchanges involving over 200 organizations from the Caribbean and the European Union. Transcultura also resulted in the establishment of the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub, which fostered synergies between key educational institutions in Cuba and the Caribbean.
The award's jury recognized the transformative impact of the Transcultura programme, empowering young people in the region to become agents of change and development in their communities through culture and creativity.
Supporting young people to build their future
Anne Lemaistre, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Culture in Havana, emphasized the fundamental role of culture and creativity in sustainable development. "In the face of challenges encountered by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), culture contributes not only to community spirit and social cohesion but also to employment, economic growth, and innovation. Through Transcultura, we are supporting young people in the region to build their future," she stated.
Isabel Brilhante Pedrosa, European Union Ambassador to Cuba, underlined that it is strategic for the Union to equip emerging Caribbean artists with the tools necessary to develop their creative projects from the region itself. "Professionalizing creative and cultural industries will contribute to the sustainable development and inclusive socio-economic transformation of the region".
More about the SIDS Partnerships Awards
They are established by UN Member States in 2021 to recognize the efforts of the best and most notable partnerships in the implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway (SAMOA Pathway). The goal is to inspire others to embark on such partnerships with SIDS.
This roadmap agreement addresses priority areas for SIDS and calls for urgent actions and support to achieve sustainable development. Transcultura directly contributes to the "Social Development" priority by promoting cultural diversity, safeguarding cultural heritage and advancing sustainable tourism.
The UN SIDS Partnerships Awards ceremony will be held on 10 July 2024 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
About Transcultura
With an innovative and cross-cutting approach, the Transcultura programme leverages the rich cultural diversity of the Caribbean as a driving force of sustainable development through cooperation and exchange within the Caribbean and between the Caribbean and the European Union. It aims to create professional opportunities for young people in the Cultural and Creative Industries. The 17 beneficiary countries of Transcultura are Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
