© UNESCO-PWP
Culture under attack
As a force for resilience, social inclusion and cohesion, environmental protection, and sustainable and inclusive growth, culture makes a transversal contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This exhibition showcases the role of culture in advancing sustainable development in conflicts and humanitarian crisis settings. In very different circumstances, and facing different threats, the powerful images from Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine and Yemen speak to the power of culture to build peace, enhance social cohesion, empower communities, and stimulate economies.
Threats from armed conflicts on culture
In the context of conflicts and political instability, culture – either intentionally targeted or as collateral damage – is particularly vulnerable to destruction and looting, while the bearers of living heritage and culture professionals are at risk of losing livelihoods and suffering from displacement.
Safeguarding culture in emergencies
By leveraging its diverse expertise in culture, education, sciences and communication, UNESCO carries out its activities through advocacy and awareness-raising, coordination of international efforts, assessment, documentation and monitoring, capacity-building and technical assistance, as well as urgent interventions on the ground.
Towards a better future
Through the protection of cultural heritage and the promotion of cultural pluralism in emergency situations, UNESCO contributes to the protection of human rights, conflicts prevention and peace-building, weaving the social fabric and strengthening the resilience of communities.
Evolving cultural challenges
To strengthen and coordinate our efforts, we, as custodians of our cultural heritage and living traditions, must work hand in hand to safeguard the shared heritage of humanity.
