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REVIEW OF PROGRESS TO ACHIEVE THE SDGS, 2015-19
c_ Selections of Exemplary Content on Culture in 2018 VNRs Below are excerpts from the VNRs with exemplary approaches to engaging with culture for the SDGs focusing on the five highest scorers in the Keyword Analysis. Qatar: • SDG11: Second: Strengthening the efforts to protect and preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage: “The preservation of the cultural and natural heritage, the promotion of cultural exchange, and the promotion and fostering of the dialogue of civilizations and coexistence are all important components of Qatar National Vision 2030 goals and targets. Therefore, the Culture Sector Strategy 2011-2016 included targets to promote intercultural understanding, protect and develop Qatar’s cultural heritage, preserve national identity, promote cultural knowledge among young people, attract and nurture highquality talents to enrich and stimulate the culture sector, raise cultural interest and promote Qatar as a vibrant cultural destination. (…) The strategy of the Culture and Sports Sector 2018-2022 seeks to make culture a framework for the preservation of identity and the promotion of citizenship and cultural communication.” (…) “In terms of cultural infrastructure, a number of cultural buildings and facilities have been established, such as Qatar National Library, the Museum of Islamic Art and the Arab Museum of Modern Art. Qatar Museums Authority has developed an ambitious plan for ten years to build several museums until the end of 2023. Qatari competent authorities started to digitize hundreds of valuable and rare books, maps and manuscripts. (…) “The most important challenges facing Qatar’s efforts in the cultural field are the obsolescence of the legislative structure (…). There is also an urgent need to develop policies for the culture sector based on evidence-based relevant studies.” • Conclusion: “Through the efforts of its national institutions, Qatar has achieved many important objectives in areas that include infrastructure and transportation development, enhancing security and safety procedures, urban development and its implications on health, education, work, and culture (…).” Greece: • Introduction: “Particular emphasis was placed on specific themes, including employment, and in particular youth employment, education, health, water and marine resources, migration, culture and sustainable tourism. (…) The second National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) was prepared in 2007 by an inter-ministerial committee, aligned with the Renewed 2006 EU Strategy for Sustainable Development, also including four additional national priorities (culture, tourism, agriculture and spatial planning). • The Incorporation of the SDGs in the National Framework: The National Priorities for the SDGs: Fostering a competitive, innovative and sustainable economic growth (SDGs 8, 9): (…) research and innovation (SDGs 8.2, 8.3, 9.5): “Special actions are planned by the National Research and Innovation Strategy (RIS3) (…) thematic sectors include: (…) viii) Culture - Creative Industries & Tourism. • The Incorporation of the SDGs in the National Framework: The National Priorities for the SDGs: Enhancing open, participatory, democratic processes and promoting partnerships (SDGs 16, 17): International ministerial meetings and conferences on human rights, democracy and peaceful coexistence (SDGs 16.3, 17.16, 17.17): “The participants (…) deepened their discussions at the 2nd Ministerial Meeting, on major issues of the Eastern Mediterranean, like education, culture and environment, security and stability and migration.” • Stakeholders’ Engagement and Commitment: Local and regional authorities: Regionalising the SDGs: “the Regions have implemented thus far 30,000 projects promoting regional development and local economies, creating new jobs, supporting social solidarity structures, improving the environment and upgrading education, health, tourism and culture.” (…) “ RIS3 focuses on the productive reconstruction of a region, (…) with a view to decreasing regional inequalities and working towards sustainable employment with respect to people, society and culture.”
