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In their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) submitted to the UN to monitor progress towards the SDGs, several Member States attest to the power of culture to reinforce social inclusion. From cultural values and cultural rights to foster social cohesion, to inclusive governance to manage cultural resources, the VNRs demonstrate the close interlinkages between culture and social inclusion. Some countries report on innovative policies for reinforcing cultural infrastructure – including through digital technologies – or the creative sector for the empowerment of marginalised groups. Finally, culture is also potent element in ensuring equitable and inclusive education systems, whilst education can also tackle prejudices based on cultural differences.

Samoa highlights that its fa'a culture and tradition has marked the country’s long-term sustainable development vision “Improved Quality of Life for All”, which ensures that no one is left behind, while respecting and protecting their land and ocean resources. Brunei Darussalam cites that its national values are formed by social inclusiveness, harmony, respect for the elders and pivotal role of the family. These values are part of the nation’s cultural events, like festivities or cultural celebrations. Liberia underscores that minorities enjoy equal rights, are all allowed to practice their culture and profess their religion without hindrance, and can use their languages in the public space. Moreover, Norway cites its White Paper on National Minorities that plans to strengthen their language, culture, and position in Norwegian society. It acknowledges that, whilst the formal rights of minorities are met, implementing those rights remains challenging.

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Inclusive territorial governance with the four indigenous communities of the Mosquitia region is the aim of an initiative in Honduras, through a human rights approach. Paraguay also cites innovative models for public investment in sustainable management and governance of the natural resources of indigenous communities, which aims to fight against poverty and food insecurity, as well as improve health outcomes. Tackling maternal mortality rates among indigenous communities through the intercultural adaptation of health service delivery is cited by Colombia in its VNR.

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San Marino mentions the creation of an open-air tactile museum “Tactilia”, as part of its project “San Marino for All”, that promotes the accessibility of artistic and cultural heritage to the elderly and those with reduced motor and sensory capabilities. Digital infrastructure is also cited by Member States as a tool for greater participation in the social discourse. For example, Cuba mentions the role of its public service television, radio and other mass communication media in efforts to promote access for all to information, culture, and artistic creation. Through its “Kulturpool” digital portal for cultural heritage documenting 983,000 objects, Austria aims to enlarge cultural access for all. Meanwhile, a project through the Global Libraries – Bulgaria Foundation aims to foster equal access to information, as well as creativity and events, through collaboration with its network of public libraries, reaching even the smallest settlements with community centres.

Through the “Greening the Seychelles Prison” programme of the Seychelles’, inmates develop skills, including in the arts and crafts – as part of a rehabilitation programme that also helps the prison become more sustainable. North Macedonia, cites the “Project Happiness” that supports people living in poverty, including initiatives encouraging women entrepreneurship focused on local culture and tradition. �������Dz�’s “Healthy Homes Healthy Villages” programme also provides livelihood skills training for women to improve their skills in sewing, weaving the traditional arts and crafts, and screen printing.

Respect for cultural diversity is well integrated into �����ܲ���ǰ�’s education system at many levels, as reported in its 2020 VNR. Its Organic Law on Intercultural Education states that vulnerable groups must have preferential treatment in access to education, without distinction of their background. Concrete initiatives that harness culture for social inclusion include the strengthening of the intercultural bilingual education system and the inclusion of Afro-Ecuadorian history and culture in the curriculum. A scholarship programme also targets people from indigenous communities at primary, secondary and university levels of education. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has collaborated with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in implementing the “Breathe Inclusion Methodology” of training teachers and other authorities on how to combat discrimination and xenophobia.

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