Vietnam Puts Culture at the Heart of Global Development
A new UN decade places culture at the centre of international cooperation
September 10th, 2026
Culture is set to play a more central role in international development after the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2027–2036 as the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development. The initiative, proposed by Viet Nam and supported by a cross-regional group of countries, creates a new framework for integrating culture into global development policies.
The resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly in New York on 4 September, with 174 Member States voting in favour, one against and no abstentions. The initiative was proposed by UNESCO and introduced by Viet Nam with the support of 103 co-sponsoring Member States. The decision comes at a time when international cooperation is facing multiple global challenges and places culture among the areas where countries can find common ground.
The new decade will be implemented under UNESCO’s leadership. The organisation will develop an Action Plan in consultation with Member States, other United Nations entities and a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society, cultural professionals, communities and international and regional organisations. The aim is to turn the political recognition of culture into coordinated policies, investment and concrete action.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of culture as part of sustainable development rather than a separate area of policy. The new decade will cover issues ranging from tangible and intangible heritage to cultural and creative industries and participation in cultural life. UNESCO also links culture to areas such as education, sustainable tourism, climate action, gender equality, youth empowerment and social cohesion. For Viet Nam, which initiated the proposal, the agreement represents an example of how a national initiative can become part of a wider multilateral agenda.
The International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development will connect the final years of the 2030 Agenda with the next phase of global development planning. By securing broad support from Member States, the initiative gives culture a more visible place within international cooperation and creates a framework for countries to work together on its contribution to sustainable development.
