Unesco

specific mandate which has been entrusted to UNESCO, within the United Nations system, to ensure the preservation and promotion of the fruitful diversity of cultures,

UNESCO’s contribution starts with normative action. The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, whose 10th anniversary we celebrate this year, and the conventions devoted to the Safeguarding of the Intangible CulturalHeritage (2003) and the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) are milestones, recognizing indigenous peoples as unique custodians of cultural and biological diversity. For UNESCO, development and culture must move forward together –- starting with the cultures of the most marginalised peoples.
The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity
Deepening theinternational debate on questions relating to cultural diversity, particularly in respect of its links with development and its impact on policy-making, at both national and international level; taking forward notably consideration of the advisability of an international legal instrument on cultural diversity.
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001271/127160m.pdf
the conventions devoted to theSafeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
the “intangible cultural heritage” means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted fromgeneration to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. For the purposes of this Convention, consideration will be given solely to such intangible cultural heritage as iscompatible with existing international human rights instruments, as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development. 
http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=17716&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions 2005
Guiding principles 

1.Principle of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms 

Cultural diversity can be protected and promoted only if human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, information and communication, as well as the ability of individuals to choose cultural expressions, are guaranteed. No one may invoke the provisions of this Convention in order to infringe human rights andfundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or guaranteed by international law, or to limit the scope thereof. 

2. Principle of sovereignty 

States have, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, the sovereign right to adopt measures and policies to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressionswithin their territory. 

3. Principle of equal dignity of and respect for all cultures 

The protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions presuppose the recognition of equal dignity of and respect for all cultures, including the cultures of persons belonging to minorities and indigenous peoples. 

4. Principle of international solidarity and cooperation International cooperation and solidarity should be aimed at enabling countries, especially developing countries, to create and strengthen their means of cultural expression, including their cultural industries, whether nascent or established, at the local, national and international levels. 

5. Principle of the complementarity of economic and cultural aspects of development 

Since culture is one of...