New York, September 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution declaring 2027–2036 the “International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development,” an initiative proposed and promoted by Viet Nam with the support of Cyprus, Italy, Laos, Qatar and Saint Kitts and Nevis, along with 103 co-sponsoring countries.
The resolution provides a long-term framework for countries and the international community to strengthen efforts to integrate culture more effectively into sustainable development policies and strategies.
Under the resolution, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been designated as the focal point for implementing the Decade and coordinating with Member States in developing activities, programmes and action plans.
Introducing the resolution before the General Assembly, Ambassador Đỗ Hùng Việt, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations, emphasized that culture shapes identities, connects communities, stimulates creativity and innovation, and contributes significantly to livelihoods and sustainable development.
He noted that the International Decade would provide a framework for transforming awareness into concrete action by mobilizing political support and resources, strengthening partnerships, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience. It would also help ensure that culture occupies a more prominent position on the global development agenda.
During the General Assembly debate, countries welcomed the initiative and underscored the essential contribution of culture to sustainable development, international cooperation, dialogue and mutual understanding.
The adoption of the resolution reflects growing international recognition of the pivotal role of culture in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It recognizes culture as an essential component of human development and a source of identity, innovation and creativity, while highlighting its contribution to social cohesion, inclusion, poverty eradication, sustainable economic growth and active public participation in development.
The resolution further emphasizes culture’s potential to generate income, create decent and sustainable employment and support the growth of vibrant economic sectors. It also highlights the importance of protecting cultural heritage and promoting cultural and creative industries.
In addition, the resolution recognizes the potential of culture to contribute innovative approaches to cross-cutting development challenges, including education, healthcare, gender equality and women’s empowerment, technology and environmental protection.
The General Assembly also reaffirmed the importance of effectively integrating culture into economic, social and environmental development policies and strategies, while stressing the need for adequate public investment in protecting and promoting cultural resources.
For Viet Nam, the adoption of the resolution marks the culmination of sustained diplomatic efforts to advance the initiative through UNESCO and the United Nations. An initiative initially put forward by Viet Nam has subsequently gained broad international support and evolved into a UN-wide framework for cooperation over the next decade.
The outcome further highlights Viet Nam’s growing engagement and contribution to multilateral mechanisms and demonstrates the country’s ability to advance practical initiatives that respond to the shared interests and priorities of the international community.
