EDITORIAL: World Cultural Economic Forum Puts La. On Map
Advocate (excerpt)

When Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu conceived the idea of a forum on the economic implications of culture in the world, it was an ambitious notion. With the fourth World Cultural Economic Forum coming up in New Orleans, the value of an international conference built on these themes is becoming part of the landscape. And where better than New Orleans and Louisiana? In a crossroads of commerce and culture since before Europeans arrived, the delta of the Mississippi River is a natural; in one of America’s true cultural crucibles that has withstood the blandness of modern society, the site demonstrates the enduring value of uniqueness.

The fourth forum will host on Thursday and Friday delegations from 25 countries, including 12 ambassadors and government ministers with responsibilities for both culture and economic growth. “It gets bigger every year,” Landrieu said. Among the expected attendees is one that the people of Louisiana should particularly appreciate: the ambassador of Qatar to the United States. The people of the oil-rich emirate contributed $100 million to relief and recovery in Louisiana after the hurricanes of 2005.

We commend Landrieu and the public- and private-sector partners who made this meeting possible.