UNESCO launches the first edition of the UNESCO Global Report on Cultural Policies | Culture: The missing SDG during the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2025, on 29 September 2025, in Barcelona, Spain.
Mestiz. Gallo & Gavilan tapestries
The landmark publication is the first of its kind to cover all regions and cultural domains, offering the most comprehensive global analysis of cultural policies to date and providing an evidence base to guide new agendas and strengthen multilateral cooperation. The Global Report draws on 1,200 national and local reports and 200 case studies submitted between 2019 and 2024. It highlights key regional and global trends. It underscores the importance of culture for sustainable development, peace and security, and calls for an independent goal for culture in the post-2030 global agenda.
Culture’s Growing Role in Development
Made possible through the generous support of the European Union, the report highlights the policy momentum of culture worldwide and provides key evidence of its contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
93% of reporting Member States now include culture as a central element in their national sustainable development plans—a significant rise from 88% in 2021. Cultural and creative industries account for 3.39% of global GDP and 3.55% of total employment, while cultural tourism across 250 cities generated USD 741.3 billion in 2023. Despite these advancements, major disparities persist. Public spending on culture averages $418.56 per capita expenditure in Europe and North America, nearly thirteen times higher than in the rest of the world combined.
The findings underline an urgent need for inclusive, evidence-based policies that address inequalities while harnessing technological innovation. By closing gaps in investment, gender equity and digital access, culture can become a powerful force for diversity, creativity and resilience in the years ahead.
A Milestone for Cultural Policies at MONDIACULT 2025
The launch of the UNESCO Global Report on Cultural Policies | Culture: The Missing SDG at MONDIACULT 2025 will be an opportunity to learn about key findings, but also to take part in a live policy dialogue that will shape the future of culture worldwide. The event will feature key insights from global cultural leaders, followed by an interactive panel with policymakers, cultural professionals, representatives of intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and civil society.
Governments, cultural professionals, academics, civil society, artists, and youth are invited to join this pivotal moment for cultural policies through livestream. Simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish.
With the participation of:
Ernesto Ottone R., Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO.
Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport of the European Commission.
In conversation with:
Tom Fleming (moderator),Cultural and Creative Industries Expert, Director of Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy (TFCC), and Principal Editor of the Global Report.
Thiago Jesus, Researcher and creative producer advancing culture-based approaches to climate action, contributing author of the Global Report.
Frances Koya Vaka’uta, Team Leader, Culture for Development, Pacific Community (SPC), contributing policymaker of the Global Report.
Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, member of the Advisory Board of the Global Report.
Related links
World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development - MONDIACULT …