About the Culture Sector
The 1982 Mexico Declaration on Cultural Policies by UNESCO defines culture as the distinct spiritual, material, intellectual, and emotional features characterizing a society. It encompasses arts, lifestyle, human rights, value systems, traditions, and beliefs. Culture shapes individuals and societies, fostering unity through shared values and traditions. In the face of global challenges such as conflicts, epidemics, climate change, and technological advances, UNESCO emphasizes the need to preserve culture for both individuals and societies. UNESCO's cultural initiatives include safeguarding historic sites, promoting creativity, supporting artistic innovation, preserving diversity through living and intangible heritage, and addressing the importance of sustaining cultural jobs and livelihoods in the creative economy.
Our mission
UNESCO's cultural action encompasses 4 challenges
Culture in the 2030 Agenda
Indeed, if the SDGs are grouped around the economic, social, and environmental objectives as the three pillars of sustainable development, then culture and creativity contribute to each of these pillars transversally.
From cherished historic monuments and museums to living heritage practices and contemporary art forms, culture enriches our lives in countless ways and helps build inclusive, innovative and resilient communities.
Protecting and safeguarding the world鈥檚 cultural and natural heritage and supporting creativity and dynamic cultural sectors are fundamental to addressing the challenges of our time, from climate change to poverty, inequality, the digital divide and ever more complex emergencies and conflicts. UNESCO is convinced that no development can be sustainable without a strong culture component. Indeed only a human-centred approach to development based on mutual respect and open dialogue among cultures can lead to lasting peace.