Culture in Southern Africa

"Culture... is ... the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features that characterize a society or social group. It includes not only arts and letters, but also modes of life, the fundamental rights of the human being, value systems, traditions and beliefs." World Conference on Cultural Policies, Mexico City, 06 August 1982

UNESCO’s priorities in the field of culture are protecting and promoting heritage and cultural expressions & advocating for the inclusion of culture and intercultural dialogue in development policies to foster a culture of peace and non violence.

UNESCO Office Windhoek translates these priorities in the activities aimed at:

1. Protecting and conserving cultural and natural heritage through the effective implementation of the 1972 Convention;

2. Enhancing the protection of cultural property and fighting against its illicit traffic through the effective implementation of the 1954, 1970 and 2001 Conventions;

3. Safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage through the effective implementation of the 2003 Convention;

4. Sustaining and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions through the effective implementation of the 2005 Convention;

5. Promoting the role of culture in development at global, regional and national levels;

6. Promoting intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and a culture of peace and non violence.