Culture as a public good : navigating its role in policy debates

The concept of culture as a public good has gained momentum since the declaration for the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2022 that emphasised the role of culture as a driver for sustainable development and asked the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General to integrate and anchor culture as a global public good in the UN agenda beyond 2030, as a goal in its own right. The discourse surrounding culture as a public good encompasses a wide array of perspectives and considerations, ranging from economic theory to social and political sciences. The recognition of culture as a public good holds significant implications for policymaking, resource allocation, and societal values. As outlined in this report, there is no singular definition or approach to understanding culture as a public good. This report seeks to start an inclusive conversation that reminds us of culture’s power and strength in difference, as the authors approach milestones that will help frame and reinforce its position. It is not intended to resolve or offer a universal definition of culture as a public good. The report also presents a series of recommendations: Recognise culture in both its symbolic and its sectoral forms; Protect and promote culture as an irreducibly social good; Avoid the commodification of culture, see culture beyond the economic frame; Develop cultural capabilities for resilience and adaptivity; Address systemic inequalities locally and globally, and embrace diversity as a key lever.