Placing Culture at the Heart of Sustainable Development: A Nordic Perspective

Culture plays a vital role in shaping sustainable, democratic, and inclusive societies, yet it remains absent as a dedicated goal within the global Sustainable Development Goals framework. The discussions at Mondiacult 2025 marked an important milestone by firmly placing culture on the global development agenda, and their impact continues to unfold in international policy processes.

At the European level, the Culture Compass for Europe, an initiative of the European Commission, further advances this agenda by highlighting how cultural participation intersects with social cohesion, ecological transition, democratic life, and community wellbeing. This webinar connects these global and European developments with the realities and aspirations of the Nordic region, creating a space to reflect on how culture can be positioned more structurally within sustainable development policies.

 The session follows an open and participatory format inspired by Culture Action Europe’s advocacy work, combining expert insights with moderated discussion.

 Join us for a timely conversation on how culture can move from recognition to implementation in sustainable development, and how the Nordic region can help shape the next steps.