Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 7, 2026)
Culture has been placed firmly at the centre of the global sustainable development conversation following a landmark decision by the United Nations General Assembly to proclaim 2027–2036 as the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development.
The resolution was adopted on Friday, September 4, with 174 Member States voting in favour, marking what the St. Kitts-Nevis National Commission for UNESCO describes as a profound moment for the international community and a significant shift in how culture is viewed within the global development framework.
In a statement issued by the St. Kitts-Nevis National Commission for UNESCO, Secretary General H.E. Nerys Dockery welcomed the decision, noting that, for the first time, culture is being positioned at the heart of the next global development framework — not simply as an addition to development efforts, but as a driver and enabler of inclusive, resilient and sustainable societies.
For St. Kitts and Nevis, the significance of the decade is particularly resonant.
As a small island state, the Federation’s cultural heritage is closely woven into its identity and resilience. Dockery pointed to the nation’s heritage, music, storytelling, craft, and stewardship of its land and sea as fundamental elements of how the people of St. Kitts and Nevis preserve their identity, navigate challenges and build the nation together.
The Secretary General also extended congratulations to Viet Nam for initiating the resolution, as well as to the 103 co-sponsoring Member States, including St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Group of Friends of Culture for their leadership. Appreciation was also expressed to UNESCO for advancing the vision through Resolution 43 C/41.
The coming decade, according to Dockery, presents an opportunity to translate that recognition into action by using culture to strengthen national identity, deepen partnerships and advance the Sustainable Development Goals both within communities and across borders.
