The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution launching the “International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development 2027–2036,” an initiative proposed by Vietnam.
The resolution establishing the International Decade for Culture for Sustainable Development for the 2027–2036 period was adopted by the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 4, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The resolution recognizes culture as an essential component of human development and a source of identity, innovation and creativity. It also highlights culture as an important factor in promoting social cohesion and inclusion, poverty eradication, sustainable economic growth and the active participation of people in the development process.
From a sustainable development perspective, the resolution emphasizes the power of culture to generate income, create sustainable employment and foster a vibrant economic sector. It also highlights the importance of cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries, as well as their contribution to innovative solutions for cross-cutting issues such as education, healthcare, 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 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN Headquarters in New York, the United States, on September 4. Photo: Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations.
The International Decade aims to bring about fundamental changes in awareness and action regarding the role of culture at all levels. It seeks to mobilize resources and increase investment in heritage education, cultural and arts education, cultural industries and the creative economy, while linking these areas with sustainable livelihoods.
The initiative also encourages greater and more equitable access to culture, intercultural dialogue, the development of digital culture and the application of cultural knowledge to climate change adaptation and environmental protection. Through these efforts, it aims to contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Strong International Support for Vietnam’s Initiative
The initiative is the result of an extensive process of preparation, consultation and advocacy by Vietnam at both UNESCO and the United Nations.
At UNESCO, Vietnam’s proposal received co-authorship and support from 72 member states. UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany also sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General calling for support for the adoption of the initiative.
At the United Nations, by the time of its adoption, the resolution was co-sponsored by Vietnam and 102 countries representing different geographical regions and levels of development.
The initiative’s broad support at UNESCO, followed by extensive co-sponsorship at the United Nations, demonstrates that promoting culture for sustainable development aligns with the shared interests and priorities of the international community.
It also underscores Vietnam’s growing standing, credibility and proactive role in proposing initiatives at multilateral forums, as well as the effectiveness of its efforts in dialogue, consultation and advocacy to mobilize support and build international consensus.
A Significant Milestone for Vietnam
The adoption of the initiative carries particular significance for Vietnam. It is the largest-scale initiative proposed by Vietnam at UNESCO after many years of participation in the organization.
The achievement further demonstrates Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification, as well as its commitment to strengthening multilateral diplomacy.
The initiative’s successful adoption shows that Vietnam is not only an active and responsible member of the international community but is also increasingly contributing to shaping international agendas and proposing practical ideas for the common benefit of humanity.
Source: VNExpress – Thanh Tâm – Thứ bảy, 5/9/2026, 06:48 (GMT+7) – Liên Hợp Quốc thông qua sáng kiến về văn hóa do Việt Nam đề xuất
