Remarks by the President of the UN General Assembly,

H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang,

at the High Level Interactive Dialogue on Culture and Sustainable Development

Wednesday 21 May 2025

[As Delivered]

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Today, we gather to celebrate the transformative power of culture in driving sustainable development.

 

While sometimes viewed as a backdrop of progress, cultural heritage is in fact an engine that propels us forward.

 

And it is essential to our efforts to sustain peace, bolster security, and ensure the social cohesion in our societies.

 

We see this across the full spectrum of cultural expressions.

 

In textiles, for instance, we see support to economic growth, and the empowerment of young people, women and girls.

 

In food, we see far-flung cuisines in restaurants close to home, boosting economic growth and engendering solidarity and unity.

 

And in art and design, we see how innovative technologies are helping draw inspiration from the varied cultures across our globe.

 

Of course, culture itself continuously evolves, and in today’s digital era, cultures are being shaped and transformed by our interactions with technology.

 

This can be seen in every aspect of our lives, but perhaps most prominently across social media and the internet at large.

 

Nowadays, access to the full wealth of cultures is only one click away.

 

Indeed, technology has enabled the dissemination of cultural elements, whether they be arts, recipes, or music.

 

But while culture inevitably helps drive sustainable development – the question must be asked: are we using its potential fully?

 

We must do much more to integrate culture into sustainable development.

 

Member States recognised this point in September 2024.

 

In adopting the Pact for the Future, they reaffirmed the need to promote culture as an integral component of sustainable development.

 

And they recognised culture’s vital role in:

 

One, shaping identity,

Two, fostering social cohesion, and

And three, inspiring innovation.

 

All essential enablers of sustainable development.

 

I encourage all Member States to continue to strive for new and innovative ways to integrate culture and sustainable development.

 

But we must do so while ensuring inclusivity, protecting intellectual property, and advancing cultural rights and accessibility.

 

This requires that we engage all stakeholders.

 

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Our world is replete with an abundance of cultural assets, but as with our natural resources, we must learn to use them towards sustainability.

 

Together, let us employ the power of cultural diversity for sustainable development,

 

As a vehicle for innovation and shared prosperity.

 

Let us create a world that connects cultures both online and offline.

 

One that protects cultural heritage and diversity, and where sustainable development is achievable for all.

 

Thank You.

 

___

 

Media Contacts

 

Sharon Birch, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tel: +1 212 963 0564, M: +1 646 342 5873, Email: birchs@un.org

Dr. Mariam Shaikh, Adviser/ Social and Digital Media/Media Relations, M: +1 917 3614990, Email: mariam.shaikh@un.org

 

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Resolutions of the 79th Session – UN General Assembly