The Ghana Commission for UNESCO is pleased to inform you that UNESCO has launched the 17th Call for Applications to the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) established under the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
The IFCD is a voluntary multi-donor fund which supports the emergence of dynamic cultural sectors in developing countries. Through an open and competitive process, projects will be selected based on their ability to generate concrete and lasting results towards the development of the creative sectors in developing countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention.
The projects must clearly lead to structural changes through:
1. Implementation and/or elaboration of policies and measures that have a direct, structural impact on the creation, production, distribution and access to a diversity of cultural goods and services.
2. The strengthening of capacities in public institutions and civil society organizations to support viable local and regional cultural industries and markets.
Since 2010, the IFCD has invested more than US$ 13.6 million through 175 projects in 77 developing countries. These diverse initiatives have contributed to the developing and implementing of cultural policies, strengthening of cultural entrepreneurship, facilitating access to new markets for cultural goods and services, and reinforcing the participation and inclusion of populations in cultural life.
Public institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) from eligible countries are invited to submit their proposals, as well as international NGOs registered in countries that are Parties to the 2005 Convention.
The 17th Call for Applications will close on 6 May 2026, noon Paris time. However, we encourage that all proposals or applications should first be sent to the Ghana Commission for UNESCO latest by Tuesday, April 21st , 2026, for review and directions if any before you finally submit to UNESCO. This is to ensure that Ghana submits competitive proposals to UNESCO. Kindly send your applications to culture@unescoghana.gov.gh; cc: info@unescoghana.gov.gh
Kindly follow the link below for the application procedure and to download the necessary documents (annotated guide, project framework, and complimentary documents for the process:
For any inquiries, please contact the 2005 Convention UNESCO Secretariat at: convention2005.ifcd@unesco.org or the Ghana Commission for UNESCO at culture@unescoghana.gov.gh.
