Short Abstract:

In a fragmented global policy landscape, marked by multifaceted crisis, culture and heritage has the power to help reshape public policy and locally led development

Long Abstract:

Culture is integral to who we are and how we view and shape the world. It is key for diverse and inclusive societies to flourish and for enabling us to imagine different futures. Cultural practitioners are responding to the complex challenges we face from climate change to LGBTQIA+ rights. Through their work, we can connect and empathise with others, challenge perceptions and re-envision the world around us and our role within it.

There are multiple perspectives on what role culture can or should play in development, particularly in the post-2030 agenda:

- Mondiacult Declaration classified culture as a ‘global public good’, reinforcing culture’s position in the global development discourse.

- UN Pact for the Future through Action 11: We will protect and promote culture and sport as integral components of sustainable development.

- Missing Pillar report The British Council sought to position culture as a missing pillar in the wider debate of culture’s role in the processes of development.

Questions for the panel: -

• What are the dangers and opportunities of doing development with/out culture as a foundation?

• What roles can culture play within development plans and visions which have been shaped by deepening and pervasive crises and uncertainty?

• Who talks and - who doesn’t - about culture in sustainable development? What ideas are being favoured, and what rationales tend to dominate?

• How do we build systemic alliances between the cultural sector and with the development community which can contribute to new opportunities for positive change?

Propose paper