UN Adopts Vietnam-Initiated Decade on Culture for Sustainable Development

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on September 4 to launch the "International Decade on Culture for Sustainable Development" from 2027 to 2036, initiated by Vietnam. The resolution recognizes culture as an essential component of human development, a source of identity, innovation, and creativity, and a key factor in promoting social cohesion and inclusion, poverty reduction, sustainable economic growth, and active citizen participation in development processes. From a sustainable development perspective, the resolution emphasizes culture's power to generate income and sustainable employment, fostering a vibrant economic sector. It also aims to leverage the value of cultural heritage and creative industries, contributing innovative solutions to cross-sectoral issues such as education, health, gender equality, women's empowerment, technology, and the environment. The UN General Assembly also reaffirmed the need to effectively integrate culture into economic, social, and environmental development policies and strategies, coupled with ensuring adequate public investment for the protection and promotion of culture. The Decade aims to bring about fundamental changes in awareness and action regarding the role of culture at all levels. It also promotes resource mobilization and increased investment in heritage education, cultural and artistic education, cultural industries, and creative economies linked to sustainable livelihoods. The initiative encourages enhanced equal access to culture, intercultural dialogue, digital culture development, and the application of cultural knowledge in adapting to climate change and protecting the environment, thereby contributing to an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for all. This initiative is the result of Vietnam's active preparation, consultation, and advocacy at UNESCO and the UN. At the UNESCO stage, Vietnam's proposal received co-authorship and support from 72 member states. Subsequently, at the UN stage, by the time of adoption, the resolution was co-sponsored by Vietnam and 102 countries from various geographical regions and development levels. This broad support indicates that culture for sustainable development aligns with the common concerns of the international community. This also affirms Vietnam's position, prestige, and proactive role in contributing initiatives at multilateral forums, as well as the effectiveness of active exchange, consultation, and advocacy to garner support and build international consensus. The adoption of this initiative holds special significance for Vietnam. It is the largest initiative Vietnam has spearheaded at UNESCO in many years, further affirming its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification, as well as its policy to elevate multilateral diplomacy. The success demonstrates that Vietnam is not only an active and responsible member of the international community but also proactively participates in shaping agendas and contributing practical ideas for the common benefit of humanity. Source: VnExpress