UNESCO Launches First Global Report on Cultural Policies

On 29 September 2025, UNESCO launched Culture: The Missing SDG, its first edition of the Global Report on Cultural Policies, during the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2025, held in Barcelona, Spain.

This ministerial forum aims to shape and commit to a global agenda for culture, and this year, the discussions revolved around a key objective: Toward culture as a stand-alone goal.

The landmark publication is the first of its kind to cover all regions and cultural domains, offering the most comprehensive global analysis of cultural policies to date and providing an evidence base to guide new agendas and strengthen multilateral cooperation.

The Global Report draws on 1,200 national and local reports and 200 case studies submitted between 2019 and 2024. It highlights key regional and global trends. It underscores the importance of culture for sustainable development, peace and security, and calls for an independent goal for culture in the post-2030 global agenda.

Culture’s Growing Role in Development

Made possible through the generous support of the European Union, the report highlights the policy momentum of culture worldwide and provides key evidence of its contribution to the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

93% of reporting Member States now include culture as a central element in their national sustainable development plans—a significant rise from 88% in 2021.

Cultural and creative industries account for 3.39% of global GDP and 3.55% of total employment, while cultural tourism across 250 cities generated USD 741.3 billion in 2023.

Despite these advancements, major disparities persist. Public spending on culture averages $418.56 per capita expenditure in Europe and North America, nearly thirteen times higher than in the rest of the world combined.

The findings underline an urgent need for inclusive, evidence-based policies that address inequalities while harnessing technological innovation. By closing gaps in investment, gender equity and digital access, culture can become a powerful force for diversity, creativity and resilience in the years ahead.

Read the full report UNESCO Global Report on Cultural Policies | Culture: The missing SDG here