MONDIACULT 2025: Faced with global divisions, UNESCO calls for culture to be made a priority

Relaunched in 2022 by Audrey Azoulay, the MONDIACULT conference has established itself as a key event for structuring a global agenda for culture. After declaring culture a "global public good" at the previous edition, the more than 160 States present this year reaffirmed their commitment to anchoring culture in development and emergency response policies.

Stronger political and diplomatic recognition

Since 2018, UNESCO has worked to put culture back at the heart of multilateral dialogue, securing its recognition in forums such as the G20, the G7, and the United Nations Pact for the Future.

This mobilization has been accompanied by a strong legal commitment from countries, with nearly 80 new ratifications of the Organization's Culture Conventions. These reflect a political will to support and strengthen international standards for the protection of heritage, cultural diversity, and the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Today, this dynamic is also reflected in the growing number of joint nominations between States: 51 transboundary sites are now listed as World Heritage sites, as are 97 shared cultural practices listed as intangible heritage.

Stronger action on the ground in response to growing needs

In recent years, UNESCO has increased its presence on the field, intervening at the heart of crises and working closely with cultural actors.

In Mosul, Beirut, and Ukraine, the Organization has combined heritage restoration with the transmission of know-how, training thousands of young people in heritage professions and supporting the revival of cultural and educational activities. In Gaza and Sudan, it has mobilized innovative tools such as satellite imagery, strengthened regional cooperation and supported the protection of sites threatened by conflict or looting.

In addition to these large-scale initiatives, UNESCO has carried out more than 350 interventions in 118 countries since 2018, providing technical expertise, supporting site rehabilitation and reducing the time required to deploy its teams.

A Virtual Museum to strengthen the fight against illicit trafficking

The launch of the Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objectsmarks the fulfillment of a commitment made at MONDIACULT 2022. Designed by architect Francis Kéré, this unique project is the first immersive platform dedicated to the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property. It has a strong educational ambition: to raise awareness among the general public, especially young people, of the consequences of such trafficking.

The Museum displays nearly 250 objects from 45 countries, accompanied by stories and testimonials that highlight the voices of the communities directly affected by this loss. Developed with INTERPOL and several technical and financial partners, it serves as a reference tool for prevention, awareness and cooperation policies.

A first Global Report and a forthcoming edition in 2029

In Barcelona, UNESCO presented its first Global Report on Cultural Policies. For the first time, this Report provides structural indicators on the state of culture around the world, which will be used to monitor developments in the sector and guide public policy and the Organization's work in the years to come.

The initial results are encouraging: a vast majority of countries now incorporate culture into their development policies, while cultural and creative industries currently account for 3.39% of global GDP. However, significant disparities remain: per capita cultural spending is up to 2,000 times higher in high-income countries than in low-income ones.

Countries have scheduled their next edition of MONDIACULT for 2029, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.

About UNESCO

With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions, with a global network of 200 National Commissions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.

"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.

More information: https://www.unesco.org