Client: UNESCO
Project: Advancing the Music Industry in the Pacific Islands region
Year: 2023
Fiji, Vanuatu, & Solomon Islands
Challenge:
Music, despite its global appeal, often concentrates economic opportunities in large cities and major markets, leaving small or remote communities with limited prospects for music-related careers. Additionally, the digital divide hinders access to the music industry's economic benefits for those without reliable internet connectivity. To address these challenges, Sound Diplomacy and UNESCO sought to nurture the music ecosystems in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, transforming them into essential drivers of economic growth and social empowerment.
The project aimed to foster economic diversification and digital transformation while improving livelihoods, social protection, human rights, and resilience for vulnerable communities. Sound Diplomacy worked closely with UNESCO to develop country-specific strategies to leverage the music industry's potential as a catalyst for economic, social, and cultural development in these Pacific States.
Strategy:
The collaboration between Sound Diplomacy and UNESCO aimed to achieve several key objectives:
Identify growth areas in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands' music ecosystems and develop actionable work plans with recommendations.
Utilize the music industry as a catalyst to advance the sustainable development goals in these nations.
Engage local stakeholders and broaden UNESCO's partnerships in the Pacific States by creating a comprehensive contact list of key organizations.
Promote UNESCO's wider project and music-related work by crafting an article for dissemination to partners, networks, and communities.
Emphasize adherence to the ROAM principles: Human Rights, Openness, Accessibility, and Multi-Stakeholder Participation.
Outcomes:
Through intensive stakeholder sessions, Sound Diplomacy unveiled critical gaps in the structures necessary to monetize music in the Pacific States. The findings revealed priority areas for support in each nation's music sector:
Fiji:
Funding
Copyright and intellectual property
Appreciation
Solomon Islands:
Infrastructure
Copyright and intellectual property
Government support
Education
Vanuatu:
Facilities/Infrastructure
Copyright Management
Professional Development/Mentorship
National Music Policy & Government Support
Appreciation
Sound Diplomacy crafted work plans corresponding to each nation, outlining strategic actions and timelines for implementation. These plans serve as comprehensive roadmaps to enhance the music ecosystem and maximise its socio-economic impact in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.
The collaborative efforts between Sound Diplomacy and UNESCO have paved the way for leveraging the music industry's potential to transform communities and promote sustainable development in Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. By addressing priority areas and embracing strategic work plans, the project aims to create a lasting impact, promoting economic diversity and digital empowerment through the power of music. The success of this initiative represents a stepping stone towards improved livelihoods, human rights, and resilience in the Pacific States.