Culture is a set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group. It encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, values systems, traditions and beliefs. Respecting and safeguarding culture is a matter of Human Rights. Cultural Diversity presupposes respect of fundamental freedoms, namely freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom to participate in the cultural life of one's choice.

The adoption of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions by the General Conference in 2005 confirmed the Organization’s commitment to ensure the preservation and promotion of the fruitful diversity of cultures.

Placing culture at the heart of development policy constitutes an essential investment in the world's future and a pre-condition to successful globalization processes.

See also:

• 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Lithuanian, Russian
• Operational Guidelines of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Lithuanian, Russian
• Cultural Diversity at UNESCO
• List of Parties to the Convention