On September 4 at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the 80th session of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution launching the “International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development,” officially designating 2027-2036 for the initiative.

Initiated by Vietnam, the resolution marks an important step in global efforts to position culture as an essential driver of sustainable development.

Its adoption by the UN General Assembly reflects a growing international consensus on the central role culture can play in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The resolution recognizes culture as an essential component of human development and a source of identity, innovation and creativity. It also highlights culture’s role in promoting social cohesion and inclusion, poverty eradication, sustainable economic growth and people’s active participation in the development process.

From a sustainable development perspective, the resolution emphasizes the power of culture to generate income, create sustainable jobs and foster a vibrant economic sector. It also underscores the value of cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries, as well as their potential to contribute innovative solutions to cross-cutting issues including education, health, gender equality and 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, while ensuring adequate public investment in the protection and promotion of culture.

The initiative is the result of an extensive process of preparation, consultation and advocacy by Vietnam at both UNESCO and the United Nations.

By the time of its adoption, the resolution had been co-sponsored by Vietnam and 102 countries representing different geographical regions and levels of development.

The initiative’s broad support and co-authorship at UNESCO, followed by extensive co-sponsorship at the United Nations, demonstrates that culture for sustainable development resonates with the shared priorities of the international community. It also underscores Vietnam’s standing, credibility and proactive role in contributing initiatives to multilateral forums.

Vietnam’s largest-ever initiative at UNESCO

Under the resolution, UNESCO is invited to lead implementation of the decade, consult member states and coordinate with relevant organizations across the UN system and other stakeholders to identify and develop activities, programs and action plans within their respective mandates.

The resolution calls on governments, international and regional organizations, academia, the private sector, civil society organizations, media agencies and other stakeholders to actively participate.

It also encourages greater international cooperation, including South-South and triangular cooperation, alongside capacity building, technical assistance, knowledge sharing and partnerships to help developing countries strengthen culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

The decade aims to bring about fundamental changes in both awareness and action regarding the role of culture at every level. It seeks to mobilize resources and increase investment in heritage education, cultural and arts education, cultural industries and the creative economy in connection with sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative also encourages more equitable access to culture, stronger intercultural dialogue and the development of digital culture, while promoting the application of cultural knowledge to climate change adaptation and environmental protection. Together, these efforts are intended to contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future for all.

The adoption of the initiative carries particular significance for Vietnam.

It is the first initiative of this scale launched by Vietnam at UNESCO after many years of participation in the organization, further reflecting the country’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification, as well as its efforts to elevate multilateral diplomacy.

The achievement demonstrates that Vietnam is not only an active and responsible member of the international community, but is also increasingly engaged in shaping international agendas and contributing practical ideas for the common interests of humanity.

As the country that initiated the proposal, Vietnam will continue working closely with UNESCO, UN agencies, member states and relevant partners in developing an action plan and implementing the decade.

Vietnam hopes to work with the international community to translate political commitments into concrete programs and activities, helping turn culture into a genuine internal resource for development, a driver of innovation and a bridge for international cooperation in support of peace and sustainable development.

Active participation in implementing the decade will also provide Vietnam with opportunities to promote its cultural values, knowledge and creativity while making tangible contributions to the world’s cultural heritage and the advancement of human civilization.

Tran Thuong