Culture
UNESCO is convinced that no development can be sustainable without a strong culture component. Only a human-centred approach to development based on mutual respect and open dialogue among cultures can lead to lasting, inclusive and equitable results. Diverse cultural manifestations – from our cherished historic monuments and museums to traditional practices and contemporary art forms – enrich our everyday lives in countless ways. Heritage constitutes a source of identity and cohesion for communities disrupted by bewildering change and economic instability. Creativity contributes to building open, inclusive and pluralistic societies. Both heritage and creativity lay the foundations for vibrant, innovative and prosperous knowledge societies.
To ensure that culture takes it rightful place in development strategies and processes, UNESCO has adopted a three-pronged approach: it spearheads worldwide advocacy for culture and development, while engaging with the international community to set clear policies and legal frameworks and working on the ground to support governments and local stakeholders to safeguard heritage, strengthen creative industries and encourage cultural pluralism.
UNESCO renowned cultural conventions provide a unique global platform for international cooperation and establish a holistic cultural governance system based on human rights, cross-sectoral collaboration, integrated approach and shared values. These international treaties endeavour to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage including cultural landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, intangible and underwater heritage, museum collections, oral traditions and other forms of heritage, and to support creativity, innovation and the emergence of dynamic and inclusive participation in the cultural sectors.
- The Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005)
- The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003)
- The Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001)
- The Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001)
- The Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)
- The Convention on the Protection of Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (1952, 1971)
- The Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970)
- The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (1954) and its two Protocols (1954 and 1999)
Lithuania implements many measures in the field of preservation of tangible cultural heritage, safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, as well as promotion of cultural diversity and creativity. The Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO takes an active part in implementing UNESCO’s cultural conventions by involving responsible institutions and actors of the field for management and monitoring processes, and promoting UNESCO’s goals and mission among stakeholders, communities, NGOs’s, groups and individuals.