UNESCO is the UN agency mandated to ensure the preservation and "promotion of the fruitful diversity of cultures."
Culture is a complex, multifaceted concept. It encompasses the social structure, languages, belief systems, institutions, technology, art, foods, and traditions of particular groups of people. Each cultural group has its own distinctive way of life that is reflected in land-use practices, economic activities, organization and layout of settlements, attitudes toward the role of women in society, education system, and observance of traditional customs and holidays. Through exchanges, interactions and movements, cultural characteristics are dynamic and keep evolving and influencing each other.
Cultural diversity is a source of innovation.
The diversity of cultures is a source of inspiration and constant learning. It allows societies to innovate and adapt to change. Knowledge and beliefs from various groups can help shape new solutions to development challenges/problems. However, the issues of globalization, increasingly open markets, and rapid changes in information and communication technologies are posing new challenges to cultural pluralism.
The safeguarding of cultural diversity is an enduring and central theme of the United Nations system in general and, more particularly of UNESCO, by virtue of the mandate to preserve and protect the “fruitful diversity of cultures” from the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. This mandate has been emphasized through a number of normative instruments, mainly the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Such international agreements set out a platform that links together the issues of cultural diversity, peace and development, and the role of the state in fostering pluralism.
Culture and Development
In the Asia-Pacific Region, UNESCO stands firm in promoting cultural tolerance and strengthening the contribution of culture to sustainable development. The UNESCO Bangkok Office seeks to show that the resources of culture have a great importance for the sustainable development and social cohesion.
Culture is a determining factor for the relevance, failure and success of development interventions, often overlooked by policy makers and programme officers. In a context of globalization and race to economic development, the lack of cultural understanding has often backfired, resulting in ineffective projects and wasted investments. Well-meaning development programmes may aim at improving the living conditions of at-need populations. But too often infrastructures remain underutilized or social programmes misunderstood because the target group was not enough involved or cultural aspects were ignored.
Cultural diversity is an engine for development
The promotion of cultural diversity offers new responses to development challenges, enlarging choices and capabilities, and increasing chances for a positive outcome. A thorough understanding of cultural backgrounds allows tailoring programmes rather than merely replicating activities all over diverse regions. For that reason, programme managers are encouraged to work closely with target groups. Drawing on their cultures, experiences and aspirations will create innovative and unique development interventions. These are also likely to be more relevant, with a stronger and longer impact.
UNESCO designed the Cultural Diversity Lens - a tool that can be used to identify gaps and shortcomings in development programmes/projects and promote cultural diversity.
Cultural diversity is part of an international commitment
Created in 1945, the United Nations has functioned within the Human Rights-Based framework since 1948. Cultural rights are one of the 5 core human rights, along with civil, economic, political and social rights .These rights are universal, inalienable, indivisible, inter-dependent and inter-related. As such, cultural rights cannot be singled out or ignored, to the profit of one or more of the other rights. It is the responsibility of all UN agencies and all Member States signatories of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the subsequent conventions to ensure full respect of all 5 core human rights.
Programmes and Tools
Cultural Diversity Lens - A useful tool which can help you address cultural diversity in programming and implementing projects.
Culture and Development - Advocating for the recognition of the central role of culture in sustainable development
Trafficking and HIV/AIDS Project - Tackles HIV/AIDS, trafficking, and non-traditional drug use, by researching, developing, and implementing programmes which crosscut these issues.
Livelihoods for Ethnic Minorities - 8 UN agencies (FAO, UNIDO, UNFPA, IOM, UNDP, UNHCR, WHO and UNESCO) undertake a large development project covering the areas of agriculture, small-scale businesses, natural resources management, health, education, legal status, tourism, etc..with ethnic minorities being the main beneficiaries.
Culture Project Archive
- Andaman Sea Project - A project run in cooperation with the Science unit.