As the planet becomes increasingly urban, societies are changing and many new cultural dimensions are taking shape.This will determine the future of cities and their quality of life, ability to address human needs, capacity to innovate and how they respond to the economic challenges of the future. In many societies, basic human needs are still unaddressed, and this is certainly a priority. However, there will be no urban future - less so sustainable urban development - without a full understanding of the power of culture in addressing the social needs of city dwellers and their aspirations to a better quality of life.
What is the role of culture in urban development? How has culture influenced urban development across the world? How can culture make a difference for our urban future? In terms of policy-making aimed at creating sustainable cities, what are the key implications of the integration of culture in the 2030 Agenda?
In line with the main entry points for culture in the 2030 Agenda, and in particular Goal 11, which dedicates Target 11.4 to ‘Strengthen[ing] efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage’, the Report proposes a reflection on managing change in cities with culture as a lever for development. In addition, it proposes concrete guidelines which aim to support decision-makers at national and local levels, experts and other stakeholders involved in urban development policies and strategies.
The Report is intended as a policy framework document to support governments in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and, as such, is a key contribution to the common United Nations’ action within the framework of the New Urban Agenda. For the first time, the Report explores the role of culture for sustainable urban development. It seeks to analyse the situation, trends, threats and existing opportunities in different regional contexts, and to present a global picture of tangible and intangible urban heritage conservation and safeguarding, along with the promotion of cultural and creative industries as a basis for sustainable urban development.