UN Elevates Culture’s Role in Global Policy Discussions with New Multilateral Coalition
February 11, 2025
The UN Group of Friends of Culture launch marks the 10th anniversary of Resolution 68/223 on Culture and Sustainable Development.
The Antiquities Coalition commends the United Nations for the successful relaunch of the Group of Friends of Culture. The group will advocate for the prioritization of culture within the UN, including its integration into the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
The 2030 agenda—adopted by all 193 UN member states—is a blueprint to achieve “peace and prosperity for people and the planet” by 2030. This milestone reflects growing recognition of culture as a key driver of sustainable development and global cooperation.
Representatives from Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and UNESCO as well as over 50 Member States have proactively participated in the group’s proceedings, demonstrating momentum for coordinated action to protect culture.
The launch builds on previous UN commitments espoused in the 2015 Resolution 68/223 on Culture and Sustainable Development. This resolution highlighted cultural diversity and intercultural understanding as critical to sustainable development.
“We acknowledge the natural and cultural diversity of the world and recognize that all cultures and civilizations contribute to sustainable development,” the resolution declared. “In this regard, we further acknowledge that culture constitutes an important enabler and a driver of sustainable development and we commit to build up a global culture of sustainability.”
As a member of the #Culture2030Goal, a campaign for the inclusion of culture in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Antiquities Coalition stands ready to support the groups mission to promote culture as a core pillar of sustainable development.
Read the 2015 Resolution 68/223 on Culture and Sustainable Development, here.
Learn more about the progress made at the 2015 UNGA here.
Support the #Culture2030Goal, here.