UNESCO highlights the role of culture in sustainable development at the UN General Assembly

On 6 October 2023, UNESCO presented the report on culture and sustainable development at the Second Committee of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The United Nations General Assembly examined the report on the implementation of resolution A/RES/76/214 on Culture and Sustainable Development and noted the growing momentum towards recognizing the role of culture in sustainable development.

The report showcases concrete areas of progress and engagement such as advancing the protection of cultural rights, enhancing the nexus between culture and education, harnessing the cultural and creative economy, adapting to the digitalisation of the cultural sector, as well as leveraging culture for peacebuilding efforts and climate action. The report also emphasizes the importance of positioning culture as a standalone development goal within the post-2030 development agenda, carving an advocacy trajectory. It also advocates for a renewed commitment to sustainable financing of culture as a vital catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.

The present report was prepared by the UNESCO in consultation with relevant stakeholders. It provides an overview of the progress made in culture and sustainable development and covers the reporting period from June 2021 to June 2023.

The role of culture in sustainable development was most recently addressed at the The UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2022, where the Declaration for Culture called for the inclusion of culture "as a specific goal" in the next set of UN Sustainable Development Goals.