On 20 October 2005, the UNESCO General Conference adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. It is considered a strong political and legal instrument enshrined in international law affirming the right of parties to develop their own cultural policies and measures to protect and promote a diversity of cultural expressions such as direct subsidies to culture institutions and activities or quotas on the import of cultural goods and services.The Convention must be ratified by at least 30 countries by June 2007 before it can enter into effect. The Convention provides an innovative platform for international cultural cooperation, with particular emphasis on developing countries, and it reaffirms the ties that bind culture and development to foster mutual understanding and dialogue between peoples.