On 14 November, University of Latvia, a partner of the Universities for Culture initiative, signed the Fair Culture Charter, aligning with UNESCO's international movement to advocate for fair working conditions for cultural workers and representatives of the creative industries. The University calls on other institutions and individuals to join this crucial initiative in support of the sector.

The Fair Culture Charter aims to ensure fair pay, job security, and a stable professional status for cultural and creative industry workers, promoting sector sustainability and social justice. By endorsing the Charter, the University of Latvia (UL) reinforces its commitment to ethical labour practices in the cultural sector, marking an important contribution to both Latvian and European cultural policies. This step aligns with the principles of the UN Sustainable Development Agenda, specifically supporting goals for decent work, economic growth, and reduced inequalities.

Adopted in early 2024, the Fair Culture Charter was developed after years of collaborative discussion and consultation. It draws on international instruments including the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Artists, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and standards set by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

"The signing of the Fair Culture Charter reaffirms the University of Latvia's belief in the vital contributions of cultural workers and the creative industries to society's well-being and economic development, both locally and globally," said Enno Ence, Vice-Rector for Development at the University of Latvia.

We encourage all institutions and individuals to join this UNESCO movement in solidarity with creative industry professionals. By supporting fair conditions, we collectively strengthen the cultural sector and its sustainability for future generations.

Learn more about the Fair Culture Charter and how you can support this important initiative here!

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