Our World, Connected

Is culture the missing key to global progress?

Apr 10, 2024

Professor Alexandra Xanthaki, UN Special Rapporteur in cultural rights, and Pedro Franco discuss the importance of culture in global progress. They explore locally led development, cultural and human rights, and the potential for culture to have its own Sustainable Development Goal. The podcast highlights the transformative power of culture in international development and the significance of incorporating cultural rights in global efforts.

37:16

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Quick takeaways

Culture is integral to human identity, influencing global progress with sustainable development.

Maracatu in Brazil empowers communities by preserving cultural traditions and creating economic opportunities.

Deep dives

The Transformative Power of Culture

Culture acts as a profound connector, shaping our identity, perceptions, and interactions. It influences our thoughts, decisions, actions, and expressions individually and within our communities. Culture serves as a vital lens through which we view the world, fostering connections and understanding.

Introduction

2min

Empowering Communities Through Maracatu Tradition

8min

Cultural Dimension in Sustainable Development

7min

Navigating Cultural Practices and Gender Equality

2min

The Transformative Power of Culture in International Development

16min

The Significance of Culture in Global Progress

2min

Culture is fundamental to who we are as human beings. Yet it is missing from global efforts to resolve the most pressing human issues of our time.

Discover why recognising the importance of culture can open the door to a more equitable, sustainable, and connected world – and hear about priorities for action.

Our host, Christine Wilson, is joined in the studio by Professor Alexandra Xanthaki, the United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. We also travel to Brazil, where Pedro Affonso Ivo Franco tells us about his work as an International Consultant for Culture, Creativity and Development and how, amid the vibrant rhythms of Maracatu, culture creates new opportunities for communities.

In this first episode of ‘Our World, Connected’, Christine, Alexandra and Pedro discuss topics such as locally-led development, cultural and human rights, and whether culture deserves its own Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Ahead of our last episode of this series with our Chief Executive Scott McDonald, we’d like to hear from you.

What burning questions do you have about the topics raised in this series that you’d like us to discuss in that episode?

If you’re listening to us on Spotify, you can comment your question. And if you’re listening on a different platform then send us your question by emailing ⁠researchglobal@britishcouncil.org⁠ by Sunday 18 August. We’ll choose a few to discuss in that final episode

Dive deeper:

The Missing Foundation: Culture’s place within and beyond the SDGs – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/missing-foundation-report

Pedro’s essay on the Cambinda Estrela Cultural Centre and Maracatu - https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ch4ig_essays_ivofranco_1_web.pdf

Alexandra’s role as the UN Special Rapporteur and latest reports -https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-cultural-rights

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