Resources

Mapping Cultural Policies in Small Island Developing States

Spanning three sub-regions – the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS), the Caribbean, and the Pacific – the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) represent 39 UNESCO Member States and 9 Associate Members. Countries and regional organizations have increasingly demonstrated their commitment in the context of fast-evolving policy landscape and cultural ecosystems, encompassing the different dimensions of culture through its diversity and a wide spectrum of concerned stakeholders. Today, a SIDS-specific, culture-led development vision is on the rise.

Culture has a multifaceted impact on sustainable development pathways of the SIDS, from climate action, biodiversity protection and food security to economic diversification, social inclusion, gender equality or urban sustainability. The voices and aspirations of SIDS must be heard in the global policy dialogue, in acknowledgement of their priorities, opportunities and insights. International cooperation efforts by UNESCO and other organizations are also essential in identifying areas for future policy investment and adaptation at the national and regional levels.

Following the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2022, SIDS are championing culture for sustainable development towards the adoption of a new Programme of Action, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS 2024-2034.