Although culture is left behind in most investments in developing countries, it can play a significant role in the sustainable development arena as it can influence not only the identity but also the economic aspects of a given society. Culture can strengthen social cohesion, support education, encourage cultural diversity and stimulate sustainable tourism, all of which could lead to a positive impact on sustainable development. If you have ever wondered how culture and development can be integrated, check out what other experts think in this regard.
Key Takeaways:
- There are more than 3,800 cultures in the world and countless subcultures.
- According to the United Nations, culture provides the necessary transformative dimension that ensures the sustainability of development processes.
- Experts suggest that cultural alignment between development initiatives and local values improves community support and participation which is essential to achieve sustainable development goals.
DevelopmentAid: Why do you think culture is an integral part of sustainable development?
“Culture must occupy a central role in the design and organization of a progressive democratic system. Sustainable development cannot be deemed as such without recognizing the pivotal role of the creative and critical processes that are rooted in culture across social, economic, and political spheres. Human development hinges upon the unfettered expression of culture, and its vigor permeating social coexistence. Culture encompasses systems of thought, languages, knowledge, values, heritage, and the arts through which individuals, whether individually or collectively, manifest their humanity. Its societal significance extends beyond preserving memory and constructing individual, community, regional, or national identities. Culture represents a creative endeavor that enhances human capacities to surmount challenges, navigate uncertainty, and envision the future. Proposals aimed at sustainable development must incorporate the cultural dimension as explicitly, operationally, and dynamically as the pillars associated with environmental sustainability, economic progress, and social justice. Culture furnishes the indispensable elements for survival and addresses the aspects of human behavior identified by social scientists as the sources and manifestations of creativity and innovation. All individuals are bearers of culture and actively contribute to its continuous elaboration and creation. This contribution equips us to comprehend and interpret reality, endowing individuals, communities, and society at large with the capabilities to better and transform their surroundings. The most prosperous, egalitarian, and democratic societies are those in which cultural vitality finds unimpeded expression, where diversity is accompanied by inclusivity and participation at all levels of democratic coexistence.”
“I think culture shapes our values and beliefs which, in turn, influence our attitudes and behaviours towards the environment and society. For example, cultures that place a high value on respect for nature are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, and culture provides us with the knowledge and skills we need to live sustainably. As an example, for a long time, indigenous communities have developed traditional practices to manage natural resources and adapt to climate change. Another thing is that when people share a common culture, they are more likely to cooperate and work together to solve problems. This is essential for achieving sustainable development goals such as poverty reduction and environmental protection. And, I think sustainable development is not just about meeting our basic needs; it is also about creating a world where everyone can thrive and flourish. Culture plays an important role in this by providing us with happiness, joy, protection, creativity, and many more other things. So that is why I think culture can play a huge part in sustainable development.”
“For sustainable development initiatives to have lasting impacts, they must, in some way, align with the local culture(s) of communities. Cultural alignment between development initiatives and the values and practices of the beneficiary communities, in turn, enhances community support and increases the participatory drive, enabling people to take ownership of the initiative. Without an understanding of the cultural values and practices that hold significance for communities, development projects may not align with the thought processes, actions, and way of life of the intended beneficiaries, potentially leading to community dissatisfaction and discontent with various aspects of project outputs and outcomes. Cultural awareness and an appreciation for people’s values and practices are essential skills that enable project managers, development officers, and fieldworkers to be more effective on the ground as they engage with community members and work to establish truly collaborative foundations to ensure project success and sustainability.”
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