Why in news? MONDIACULT 2025 is the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, held from September 29 to October 1, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain.
Key Highlights of MONDIACULT 2025
Theme: "Culture as a Global Public Good and Driver of Sustainable Development."
Objective: To establish culture as a stand-alone goal in the United Nations' post-2030 development agenda, recognizing its vital role in sustainable development and global peace.
Focus Areas and Themes
Cultural rights
Digital technologies in culture
Culture and education
Economy of culture
Culture and climate action
Culture, heritage, and crisis
Special focus on culture for peace and artificial intelligence in culture.
India’s Role
India's Minister of Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, chaired the Asia-Pacific Group and emphasized culture as a pillar for inclusive and sustainable development.
India actively engaged in bilateral discussions on cultural cooperation and heritage conservation.
Next Host
Saudi Arabia was announced as the host for MONDIACULT 2029.
Outcome
Adoption of an outcome document reaffirming culture as a global public good and providing a roadmap for strengthening cultural policies and international cooperation.