The memorandum provides opinions and objectives on the role and potential of culture in development co-operation in general and more specifically from the perspective of capitalising on the strengths and resources of the Finnish cultural sector. These sectors include libraries, communications, creative industries, the system of intellectual property, research into the information society and intercultural interaction as part of public diplomacy.

The document also discusses the European Union’s development policy and investments from the perspective of culture and the foci of Finland’s contribution to international organisations, particularly UNESCO and WIPO. The increasing reach of globalisation and multiculturalism is creating unprecedented opportunities for strengthening intercultural exchange, as well as new challenges for preserving cultural diversity, especially between rich and poor countries. The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions plays a crucial role in this context.