In accordance with UNESCO's global mandate and priorities of member states in the Pacific, UNESCO Culture Programme in the Pacific has a focus on the following areas of action:

• Strengthening the management of tangible and natural heritage including World Heritage sites
• Enhancing the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage
• Protecting the underwater cultural heritage
• Enhancing arts, creativity and cultural industry
• Supporting the development of cultural spaces, centers and museums
• Supporting the development of cultural policies, strategies, action plans and cultural statistics at national and regional levels

UNESCO Culture Programme in the Pacific aims at assisting Pacific member states in achieving people-centered inclusive sustainable development in order to contribute to the culture of peace, while advocating the cultural contribution to MDGs and other internationally agreed goals.  UNESCO Conventions in culture provide guidelines for national policy as well as mechanisms for international cooperation in respective areas. 

Capacity building is a priority action under the Culture Programme in the Pacific.  The Pacific Culture Programme has been prepared in close consultation with national authorities with the participation of traditional leaders in order to reinforce synergies between community-based practices, customary laws and government-supported programmes and policy for culture and development.  Partnership has been forged with regional intergovernmental agencies, universities, NGOs and local experts and communities to implement the Pacific strategy and action plans in respective areas.