Cultural diversity: A catalyst for global sustainable development

General Secretary Xi Jinping has stated that through civilizational exchange we can transcend barriers, surpass conflicts with mutual understanding, and promote coexistence over supremacy, thus collectively addressing various global challenges. Amidst rapid adjustments in global governance and the evolving international landscape, the deepening of globalization has led to closer interactions among countries and regions. Respecting cultural differences and embracing diversity are crucial for maintaining global peace and achieving sustainable development. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 goals, underscores the importance of cultural diversity at a global level, and the essential role of cross-cultural dialogue for fostering better lives, and a more harmonious world of peace and development.

International context of cultural diversity and sustainable development

Cultural diversity is fundamental to human well-being. In 2001, UNESCO issued the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, linking cultural diversity closely with human development and establishing May 21 as the “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.” This initiative helps people worldwide understand the value of cultural diversity and promotes harmony. In October 2005, the 33rd Session of UNESCO adopted the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, marking a significant international effort to safeguard global cultural diversity. It also raised cultural diversity to a new ethical standard globally, reflecting a paradigm shift in cultural ideologies.

The concept of sustainable development encompasses multiple sectors including society, environment, and economy, with cultural diversity emerging as a key area for global sustainability. In May 2015, UNESCO released the Incheon Declaration, highlighting the positive impact of education for sustainable development in addressing global challenges. Later that year, in November, the 38th Session of UNESCO introduced the Education 2030 Framework for Action, which detailed educational goals within the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and set scientific standards. By the end of 2015, UNESCO’s publication “Rethinking Education: Towards a Global Common Good?” emphasized the central role of sustainable development, advocating for respect for life and human dignity, the preservation of cultural diversity, and the creation of a sustainable future. The 2030 Agenda explicitly calls for a world that respects human rights, dignity, rule of law, justice, equality, and non-discrimination, and acknowledges the roles of culture, creativity, and cultural diversity for the first time in global development. This recognition signifies the formal integration of cultural diversity into the sustainable development framework, positioning it as a core element of sustainability. In 2021, the third UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development released the “Education 2030 Roadmap,” further defining practical pathways for sustainable development. This roadmap calls for reforms across national policies, learning environments, capacity building in education, and local actions, integrating cultural diversity education into these areas to empower economic development in the post-pandemic world.

Integration of cultural diversity and global governance

In 2001, the “UN Year of Dialogue among Civilizations,” the 56th UN General Assembly introduced a global agenda for dialogue among diverse civilizations, promoting an open and inclusive world. The expansion of economic globalization has increased cultural connections and interactions across nations and ethnic groups. Embracing and learning from the rich cultural heritage of others can help manage the complexities of a globalized cultural landscape, contributing to orderly and diverse global cultural development.

Firstly, cultural diversity aids global cultural governance. UNESCO plays a leading role in global education, science, and cultural governance by establishing international rules through conventions and resolutions on cultural diversity, fulfilling its ethical mission and helping nations to appreciate the role of cultural diversity in advancing human development, as well as treating it as a novel international relations concept and facilitating global exchanges, interactions, and cooperation. In 2015, UNESCO released “Re-Shaping Cultural Policies: A Decade Promoting Diversity of Cultural Expressions,” reviewing the Convention’s impact in promoting sustainable cultural management, balancing the exchange and mobility of cultural products and services, and advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms as part of the sustainable development framework.

Secondly, cultural diversity empowers global intellectual practices. Globally, regions advocate for cultural diversity and explore practices to protect it. In 2005, the 29th World Heritage Congress in Durban passed the “Position Paper of Africa” and established the African World Heritage Fund to address funding issues in African heritage protection. With UNESCO’s support in 2006, the African Union Summit adopted the “Charter for African Cultural Renaissance,” showcasing shared cultural values and encouraging policy integration among member states for unified development across Africa. The European Commission’s white paper on intercultural dialogue requires multiple strategies to promote cultural exchanges within Europe and globally. The Asia-Pacific region founded the Institute for International Understanding Education in 2000, with China and South Korea spearheading the endeavor of clarifying the direction and content of international understanding education.

Thirdly, China actively promotes global governance in the cultural field. The Belt and Road Initiative spans regions rich in cultural heritage, including the Nile and Tigris River basins and the ancient civilizations of Babylon and India. From a strategic perspective, this initiative emphasizes cultural tolerance, respects different developmental paths and models, and strengthens interactions between civilizations. It aims for harmonious coexistence and mutual prosperity, painting a vision of joint development. The “Position Paper of China on the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” illustrates efforts to fund peace and development projects, including establishing the South-South Cooperation Aid Fund and the South-South Cooperation and Development Academy, as well as the China-UN Peace and Development Fund. The “Confucius Literacy Prize,” funded by the Chinese government in collaboration with UNESCO, addresses illiteracy and out-of-school children in rural areas. Additionally, the 2016 Rio Olympics featured a refugee team for the first time, symbolizing human progress and the spirit of equal participation, competition, and sharing. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics mascots and emblems incorporated traditional Chinese cultural elements, boosting China’s cultural confidence and fostering exchanges between Chinese civilization and the world, contributing to magnifying the Olympic spirit at the global level.

Coexistence of cultural diversity and sustainable development

The principle of “treating others as you would like to be treated” guides the construction of a community of shared future for humanity. The human society is undergoing significant changes, characterized by multipolarity, economic globalization, comprehensive informatization, and cultural diversity. These elements necessitate maintaining interdependence among nations with a peaceful, cooperative and developmental approach to advance global trends.

Firstly, respecting cultural traditions and engaging in mutual learning are foundational to building a harmonious and inclusive world. The principles of sovereignty and cultural equality have long been adhered to by nations and are upheld by the United Nations and its agencies. This respect for sovereignty and cultural parity across nations—regardless of their strength, size, or wealth—is crucial for fostering global peace and creating a harmonious world. The diversity of human civilizations, which encompasses over 200 countries and regions, more than 2,500 ethnic groups, and various religions, each with distinct developmental histories and cultural practices, forms the bedrock of our world. This diversity not only fuels human progress but also, through exchanges among civilizations, gradually advances human society, helping to establish global peace, inclusivity, and harmonious development, and building a community of shared future for humanity.

Secondly, committed to green development, China strives to create a clean and beautiful world. In his report at the 20th Party Congress, Xi Jinping highlighted that China’s modernization is a model of harmony between humans and nature. Humanity and nature are intertwined, and modernization must proceed in a way that respects this relationship, aiming for a prosperous and healthy life path while actively advancing the development of ecological civilization. To this end, we should follow the philosophy of unity between humanity and nature, respect current and future generations, and honor the natural world and its laws. Global efforts should focus on promoting green, low-carbon, and sustainable production methods, collaboratively addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, the overuse of Earth’s resources, and marine pollution. Respect for each nation’s cultural practices and adherence to the goals and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement are essential as we work together to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, fostering an open, inclusive, equitable, balanced, and mutually beneficial global ecological community.

Thirdly, education on cultural diversity is essential for driving sustainable development, which has become a key theme in global educational reform and innovation. Education regarding World Heritage and intangible cultural heritage, along with education on cultural diversity and sustainable development, plays a crucial role in personal development, equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed for the future. The UNESCO publication “Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education” suggests that curriculum should emphasize ecological, intercultural, and interdisciplinary learning, aiming to understand humanity from an ecological perspective, redefine our relationship with Earth, our only home, and integrate various natural, artificial, and virtual learning environments to maximize their potential. This approach enables connectivity and guarantees the human rights to education, information, culture, and science, hence building a global community of learners.

Fourthly, protecting global cultural diversity and implementing sustainable development strategies are crucial. The essence of building a community of shared future through the protection of cultural diversity is deeply rooted in advancing global sustainable development strategies. The 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development released “Our Common Future,” which defined sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Currently, sustainable development challenges are more pronounced, requiring a proactive and concerned approach. Advancing, deepening, and taking action on education for sustainable development is a decisive choice for protecting global cultural diversity and building a community with a shared future. Emerging technologies and artificial intelligence represent modern societal operations; meanwhile, global challenges such as pandemics and ecological crises test the resilience of various nations, cultures, and civilizations. The Chinese saying “All under heaven are of one family but follow different paths” reflects the idea that through exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations, continuous innovation and development can be achieved. Only through cooperative and win-win strategies can we build a community of shared future for mankind, using cultural diversity to refine a multitude of civilizations and address global challenges together. Given the fragile ecological environment of our shared planet, interdependence among nations and regions make isolated prosperity difficult. Sustainable development is thus the greatest common factor promoting the ongoing survival and development of humanity and epitomizes both cultural diversity and the community of shared future for mankind.

Conclusion

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development makes a solemn commitment to sustainability in multiple dimensions, aiming to overcome inequality, eradicate extreme poverty, and combat climate change. Culture serves as the cornerstone of sustainable development by 2030, playing a fundamental role in societal transformation. It connects humanity and the world more effectively through the transmission of knowledge and collaborative actions. Governments and people worldwide must take an active role in this monumental endeavor, as it’s essential for perpetuating human civilization and enhancing human well-being. From the 18th to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, China has vigorously pursued an ecological civilization towards symbiotic development between humans and nature. China is committed to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and has become a key player, contributor, and leader in building a global ecological civilization on the international stage. Amidst new developmental trends, ecological civilization and cultural diversity pose new demands on societal development. Promoting education on sustainable development will raise public awareness on culture and sustainable development in the new era, as well as the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress. By building a community of cultural diversity, adopting more inclusive and sustainable lifestyles, China stands ready to contribute to the sustainable development of both humanity and the human society.

(Author: Zhang Jing, Associate Researcher and Head of the Ecological Civilization Education Research Office at the Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences)