Advancing inclusive and equitable participation in cultural life

Culture forms the very foundation of our shared human existence and collective memory. It is through culture that we forge our identities, both individual and communal, thus creating profound connections that transcend time and space. As defined in the MONDIACULT Declaration of 1982 and reaffirmed in that of 2022, culture is the ‘whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or social group. It includes not only the arts and letters, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs’ (UNESCO, 1982). This rich tapestry of human expression nurtures our well-being through shared emotions and social bonds whilst enriching our lives with creativity, meaning and values. Many cultures deepen humanity's relationship with nature, fostering environmental awareness, sustainability and resilience. As a pillar in the construction of prosperous and peaceful societies, culture stands at the heart of vibrant activities spanning the arts, entertainment and tourism. Culture manifests itself across myriad forms – through words, sound, images, movement, monuments, objects, traditional knowledge systems and now digital media – serving as a vital bridge between heritage and innovation, allowing societies to honour their past whilst adapting to contemporary advances and challenges. Some cultural practices and forms of expression are of a universal nature as they can be found across all human societies, regardless of geography or history. Others are unique to certain communities or regions. Examples of universal cultural expressions include music and dance to communicate emotions, storytelling to pass down knowledge, values, history, rituals and ceremonies to mark important life transitions, visual arts to express beliefs and emotions, cooking and shared meals to reinforce family and social bonds, fashion and body decoration to define cultural identity, humour and play for social interaction and stress relief, and religious or spiritual practices. By contrast, contextual forms of cultural activities are determined by specific historical, environmental and social backgrounds. Music genres and dance styles, traditional dresses, culinary traditions, festivals and celebrations, social customs and greetings, and architectural styles are instances of such contextual forms and practices. However, there are also cultural expressions based on specific traditions that contradict universal human rights (such as Female Genital Mutilation), and in this sense culture must not be used to legitimize gender violence, inequality and discrimination.