Page "Sustainable development" Paragraph 18

Working with a different emphasis, some researchers and institutions have pointed out that a fourth dimension should be added to the dimensions of sustainable development, since the triple-bottom-line dimensions of economic, environmental and social do not seem to be enough to reflect the complexity of contemporary society.

In this context, the Agenda 21 for culture and the United Cities and Local Governments ( UCLG ) Executive Bureau lead the preparation of the policy statement “ Culture: Fourth Pillar of Sustainable Development ”, passed on 17 November 2010, in the framework of the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders – 3rd World Congress of UCLG, held in Mexico City.

This document inaugurates a new perspective and points to the relation between culture and sustainable development through a dual approach: developing a solid cultural policy and advocating a cultural dimension in all public policies.

The Network of Excellence " Sustainable Development in a Diverse World ", sponsored by the European Union, integrates multidisciplinary capacities and interprets cultural diversity as a key element of a new strategy for sustainable development.