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MONDIACULT 2025: Regional consultations kicks off with Western Europe and North America
Chaired by the Government of Spain, with Andorra serving as Vice-Chair and Austria as Rapporteur, the UNESCO consultation brought together representatives from 26 Member States and 22 organizations, including intergovernmental organizations, regional NGOs, UNESCO Chairs and global specialized networks.
The consultation started with a session titled “Cultural Rights, Digital Technologies in the Culture Sector, Culture and Education” during which participants reiterated their dedication to the protection of cultural rights, both individual and collective. The importance of policies that support the discoverability of local and diverse content was highlighted, along with the need to address the issue within a broader framework of cultural rights. Several Member States reiterated their efforts to effectively implement the 2024 UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education, particularly through interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral and inter-ministerial cooperation. The session ended with a consensus that MONDIACULT 2025 must act as a stepping stone for future cultural policies, setting a comprehensive global agenda for culture.
At the heart of MONDIACULT 2025 is our uncompromising belief that cultural rights must be accorded to all—wherever, whoever they are. As the preparatory process towards the largest cultural policy conference gathers steam, UNESCO continues to recall the central role of culture in constructing an inclusive, just, and sustainable future.
Culture’s role on inclusive economic growth and climate action took center stage on the first day, with strong support expressed for legally binding instruments and policy frameworks that anchor culture as a driver of sustainable development. Noting that the creative industries are among the fastest-growing sector, participants also advocated for the creative economy built on ethics, integrity and fair remuneration. The connection between heritage and democracy was also underscored.
The growing impact of Artificial intelligence (AI) on the whole of culture sector was evident from numerous interventions by Member States and civil society alike. Countries highlighted the progress achieved since the adoption of the and the . Furthermore, many called for the establishment of international and regional frameworks for the responsible use of AI. During the third session “Emerging Focus Areas Relevant for Culture,” digital technologies were recognized as a major game changer for culture professionals and institutions.
We must make a firm commitment to the defense of cultural policies that are actively present and are protagonists in the international agenda. A firm commitment to the future, with the conviction that this future is based on the value of culture as an engine for sustainable development and a fairer world.
As the year marked by uncertainties comes to a close, participants reflected on the role of culture for peace. Echoing UNESCO’s mandate to “build peace in the minds of men and women,” they emphasized the need to renew trust and commitment to multilateral cooperation. It was agreed that harnessing culture for harmonious coexistence, conflict prevention and post-conflict reconciliation is more important than ever.
Finally, the Western Europe and North America consultation hailed the historic integration of culture into sustainable development frameworks, serving as a momentum to establish a culture stand-alone goal in the post-2030 Agenda. The inclusion of culture in the was acknowledged as a significant step forward in this direction, along with the unprecedented attention paid to culture in the G77+China, G20, G7 and COP. The participants demonstrated their dedication to global advocacy and active outreach for the culture stand-alone goal, citing ongoing national campaigns and initiatives. The consultation concluded with a call for proactive collaboration with UNESCO and inclusive process towards the shared ambition, building on the lessons of the 2030 Agenda.
