International Conference on Papuan Cultural Diversity

Indonesia is home to over 300 ethnic groups, with some 250 living on the island of Papua. These ethnic and linguistic groups, especially those on Papua, count only hundreds of members, compared to other major groups who may number into the millions. Papua, with its very diverse ethnic groups has vast cultural diversities that manifest themselves into tangible and intangible cultural expressions. The richness of Papua's cultural diversity is in part due to the creative energy of the indigenous Papuans to adapt themselves to both their natural and social environment which are commonly shared by this island with those in the region that comprises the area from Maluku, Nusatenggara, the islands of New Guinea, Solomon Islands, to as far away as Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. The people within this vast region are known to share close genetic and cultural characteristics.

Due to globalization, urbanization, employment mobility, and other forms of migrations, Papuans today are confronted with challenges and disappearing traits. Therefore, the Government of the Province of Papua has called for concrete actions to identify and preserve the cultural identities of the people. The International Conference on Papuan Cultural Diversit in the mosaic of Indonesian cultures is planned to be staged in collaboration with UNESCO, UNDP Indonesia, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia., to be convened on November 8 – 11, 2010 in the Governor’s Office in Jayapura, Papua, Indonesia.

Objectives of the Conference

Core Objectives:

To fully acknowledge and appreciate the cultural diversity of Papua
To strengthen the protection, conservation, and promotion of Papuan cultural heritage in all its forms
Tangible and intangible, movable and immovable
To promote dialogue among neighbouring countries and regions
To create a set of recommendations, principles and actions for consideration at both national and regional/provincial levels

The main objectives of this International Conference on Papuan Cultural Diversity are to identify key concerns and suggest necessary actions to local governments. These will be discussed and decided in close consultation with stakeholders, national and international experts, and relevant UN development agencies. Ultimately, through harnessing Papua’s rich cultural diversity, the meeting will contribute to the development of a stable, sustainable economy.

Conference StructureThe topics of the conference will be divided into four themes:

1.Papuan Cultural Diversity in a Melanesian Cultural Context

2.Traditional Papuan Values, Local Knowledge, and Development

3.Papuan Cultural Diversity: Opportunities and Challenges

4.Concrete Measures ParticipantsIt is estimated that 300 participants (including speakers and guests, around 80 participants from abroad) will participate in the conference. Participants are provided with event-related accommodation and transportation between the 6 – 12 November 2010.

Participants at the conference will include:

Academics/researchers specialising in Papuan and Melanesian cultures and languages
Representatives from culture and tourism departments in the Provincial Governments of Papua, Papua Barat, Maluku, Maluku Utara, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat;
Representatives from the National Governments of Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji; and of the territorial Government of New Caledonia
Representatives from traditional religious and cultural communities in Papua
Representatives from different Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in the Melanesian context
Experts in cultural heritage/knowledge management, and managers of cultural knowledge centres and museums
Experts who promote culture and tourism (including international travel agencies)
Media professionals
Ministers and ambassadors from relevant countries (Melanesian and/or donor countries)

For further details, please log on: http://icpcd.org/index.php

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