7 July, 2021 – The GPM is co-host of the official UN side event ‘Partnering through Culture, Heritage and Art for Resilient and Inclusive Recovery’ during the UN High Level Political Forum Culture from 6-15 July 2021. The side event is a conversation on Culture, now recognized as the fourth dimension of sustainable development, and one that permeates all other aspects of it. With a unique ability to support resilience and wellbeing – acutely observed during the COVID19 pandemic – the cultural sector has an undeniable potential to make a major contribution to delivering the SDGs.

Beyond the impacts that the cultural fields, including heritage and art, have in and of themselves, partnerships involving cultural actors can also increase the impact of wider policies, everywhere from climate action to community cohesion and public health. Meaningful partnerships, based on accountability and inclusiveness, can lead not only to a more sustainable future for heritage, art, and cultural institutions at large, but also reinforce their ability to enhance our resilience and wellbeing.

Following on from the High-Level Event organized by the President of the UNGA on 21 May, 2021, and the #Culture2030Goal side event at HLPF 2020, this session will look at how partnerships with the culture sector can accelerate sustainable development in the Decade of Action, while supporting the cultural life of our communities, and safeguarding our heritage for future generations.

What partnership models are possible? How can unique strengths be combined? What lessons can be shared?

This session will bring together representatives of local and national governments, civil society and experts, each with experiences that can help build a global sense of how partnering through culture can power resilient and inclusive recovery.

Co-organized by:
IFLA- International Federation of Library Associations (lead applicant)
British Council
City of Izmir
City of Mannheim
Climate Heritage Network
Cultural Agents
GPM- Global Parliament of Mayors
ICOMOS- International Council on Monuments and Sites
KNCU- Korean National Commission for UNESCO
OWH- OurWorldHeritage Foundation
UCL- University College London
UCLG- United Cities and Local Governments Culture Committee