A global call to the UNFCCC to include cultural heritage, the arts and creative sectors in climate policy
This campaign is part of an initiative led and funded by the UAE Ministry of Culture in partnership with the ALIPH Foundation.
Read the Call to Action – more languages available
Artists and cultural voices from across the world are uniting to call for climate negotiators at COP UN Climate Conference to put cultural heritage, arts and creative industries at the heart of climate action.
We are asking for a ground-breaking ‘Joint Work Decision on Culture and Climate Action’, a UN process which would trigger policies and frameworks to enable culture to contribute fully to climate solutions.
Culture is a powerful force that shapes all of our lives, wherever we are in the world. Yet in spite of its potential, culture has not been integrated into climate policy and planning. Culture-led solutions that are inclusive, local as well as global, and focused on people and nature are already abundant.
Cultural heritage, including traditional knowledge, strengthens resilience, helps communities to adapt to climate impacts, protects places, and offers green, circular and regenerative solutions. The arts speak to hearts and minds, inspiring action and helping us to understand climate change through storytelling and shared experiences. The creative industries – design, music, fashion and film – shape our lifestyles, tastes and consumption patterns.
To strengthen global climate action, we must urgently harness the extraordinary potential of cultural heritage, arts and creative sectors to help people imagine and realise low-carbon, just, climate resilient futures.
If you recognise culture as an indispensable pillar of climate action, sign up to support the campaign, and share it with your networks and communities.
Why a Joint Work Decision?
A Joint Work Decision would launch a process to:
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Understand how culture – heritage, arts and creative sectors – is already supporting climate actions and solutions
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Support cultural voices to influence audiences and consumers
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Unite the entire culture sector globally to scale up action on the most pressing issue of our time
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Influence key policies and discussions on adapting to our changing climate, decarbonising, supporting cultural knowledge keepers, safeguarding heritage and culture, and innovating with our creativity
What is the timeline?
The timeline, contingent on meeting our goals is:
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At COP28 in Dubai, a High Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-based Climate Action has been scheduled for 8 December
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At COP29 we hope to get approval of the JWD to trigger consultation with culture bodies on culture and climate over the following year.
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At COP 30: Launch of the recommendations to UNFCCC for culture-based climate action.