New york: The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the years 2027 to 2036 as the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development, establishing a decade-long global framework aimed at leveraging culture to foster more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative was spearheaded by Viet Nam with the backing of a cross-regional group of co-sponsors and the Group of Friends of Culture. This significant move places culture at the center of the upcoming global development framework, following a proposal by the General Conference of UNESCO. The resolution, co-sponsored by 103 Member States, was adopted by a recorded vote of 174 in favor, 1 against, and no abstentions.
The adoption of the resolution is seen as particularly significant given the current international challenges. Amid overlapping global crises and increasing pressures on international cooperation, Member States have united around the belief that culture can help establish common ground and promote sustainable development. The proclamation is thus viewed as a milestone for culture, as well as an affirmation of multilateralism and the power of collective action in addressing global priorities.
UNESCO, as the lead entity for the implementation of the Decade, will develop an Action Plan in consultation with Member States, United Nations entities, and other stakeholders. This plan aims to convert the resolution's ambitions into coordinated priorities and concrete actions.
The Decade will draw on UNESCO's Culture Conventions and Recommendations, programs, policy expertise, data, and global networks to mobilize governments, international and regional organizations, civil society, culture professionals, communities, and development and financing partners around the shared goal of embedding culture at the core of a sustainable, inclusive, peaceful, and resilient future.
Nayef Al-Fayez, Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO, remarked, "This Decade reaffirms our shared commitment to culture as a driving force of sustainable development. I wish to commend Viet Nam for the vision and leadership that made this milestone possible, as well as all the Member States that rallied behind it, particularly the core group and the Group of Friends of Culture. UNESCO is ready to translate this renewed global ambition into stronger policies, investment, and action for the people, everywhere."
Spanning the final four years of the 2030 Agenda and the opening years of its successor framework, the Decade is positioned as a strategic bridge linking current commitments with future global priorities.