Integrating culture as a strategic element in sustainable development policies and assistance programmes at the national and international levels

The Socio-Economic Development Programme of Belarus for 2011-2015 creates conditions for the development of human potential through social inclusion and enhancing the level of culture and cultural expression of every individual, and capacity building through fostering culture among the citizens. Prospective creative initiatives and the implementation of innovative projects aimed at enhancing the cultural life of the country, creating locally and internationally competitive cultural products have been maintained. Public-private partnership has been developing. Much attention has been paid to the creation of equal access to the cultural benefits for both urban and rural residents, the preservation of the samples and tradition of folk art. The computerization of libraries and museums was dynamic. Restoration and rehabilitation of the historical and cultural heritage has been carried out. In order to enhance culture in rural areas, in the course of implementation of the State Program for Sustainable Rural Development for the Period of 2011-2015, 13 art and crafts showrooms, crafts shops were opened; 8 Houses for Craftsmen were created; 465 Cultural Centers were computerized; 47 philharmonic and theater facilities were established in the place of the large rural clubs. Organized activities 19 car clubs, mobile library service was organized to deliver books to remote localities with few residents that lack permanent culture facilities. The outcome of these policies in the field of culture has been the increased availability, quality and diversity of the cultural services for all categories of the population. Culture is views as a strategic resource for the development of society in the short- and medium-term prospects of the National Strategy for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for the period before 2030.