Officials of the United Nations highlighted the importance of culture in achieving MDGs (Millenium Development Goals) – sustainable growth and reduction of poverty in a recent UN General Assembly debate. The debate was convened by the GA President in cooperation with UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Senior government officials and ministers from member nations attended the event.
MDGs’ deadline approaching
The GA Member States are in the process of plotting the course for the post-2015 developmental agenda, and the need to integrate it into the objectives was recognized during the discussion. The target date in achieving the MDGs is 2015. The MDGs are primarily focused on alleviating poverty and eradicating hunger that are currently prevalent at a global scale. There are less than 1,000 days before the deadline is reached.
The nexus between culture and development
A full consideration of the role and impact of culture on development was stressed by Vuk Jeremic, President of the United Nations General Assembly. He said that with regard to the post-2015 developmental agenda, the significance of the nexus between culture and development is not yet fully grasped. He added that this would also promote a sense of mutual belonging and foster a feeling that no nation or community can fully reach its potential unless the advancement of mankind accompanies it.
The need to bridge the gap
According to Vuk Jeremic, the lack of a consensus in the previous months’ discussions on how to build the foundations of sustainable development only means that there is a gap to be bridged. In his perspective, the reason for the gap is the absence of the cultural component from the discussions.
The importance of embracing people’s cultures
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressed the gathering. In his opinion, the role of culture was not taken into account within the MDGs. In promoting development, he said that it is important to understand and embrace their culture in order to mobilize people. In forming the course for sustainable development, we must ensure that culture and human rights are made part of the framework, he added. He expounded that there is no one-size-fits-all development model, and that part of the problem is that development has not always focused on people. There is a need to encourage dialogue and listen to individual voices, Secretary-General Ban reiterated.
On a positive note, the Secretary-General said that Member States have increasingly recognized the “power of culture,” particularly as an enabler of sustainability.
“Culture is what we are”
The keynote address was delivered by Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UNESCO. She said that there is not one society in the world that can flourish without art, dance, music, or with just one language. Culture is “the wellspring of collective imagination, meaning, belonging…a source of identity and cohesion…creativity and innovation,” according to Director-General Bokova. Diversity in culture also helps find solutions to problems and enhances critical thinking, she added. “No development can be sustained without it,” she insisted.
Caption: The United Nations General Assembly building in New York City
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