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Global cultural experts stress need for digital equality, understanding of cultural diversity: CFF Forum
  • September 07, 2021 | Other

Global cultural experts stress need for digital equality,
understanding of cultural diversity: CFF Forum

Updated: 2021-09-06 17:21:22 KST
 

 

The pandemic has widened the global divide between the "haves" and "have nots".
The "haves" are those with access to digital technology letting them work from home or take online classes, and spend their free time watching movies or dramas through online streaming services. The "have nots" lack access to such technology.
During this year's Culture Communication Forum, ambassadors, journalists and experts from around the world said this divide must be tackled for cultural content to more effectively spread.

"50% of the world does not have access to the internet. More than thatout of the people who do have access, very few people have access to high-speed internet. Because high-speed internet will only allow you to see all this."

"It's not easy to find in my country a good connection or good platform. Not all people have the instruments to make communication."

Experts added that digital equality should also cover the types of cultural content shown on platforms.

"The big players in the digital markets always benefit. Not the small artists, not the small players. But governments have to set up a platform for the small musicians, for the gig artists."

"Without respecting cultures, digital platforms, although it is a very powerful tool nowadaysIt cannot provide any meaningful content."

The Mexican ambassador to South Korea agreed, saying culture is a strong tool, but only if mutual understanding comes first.

"In the era of people's diplomacy it's better to underline what unites us and not what divides us."

While the pandemic might have intensified divisions across borders, experts say culture could bring countries together as long as governments work towards providing digital access and a mutual understanding of cultural diversity.
Shin Ye-eun, Arirang News.