Project CSSC | Corporate sustainability strategies in support of culture TOOLKIT
‘(…) respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust and understanding are among the best guarantees of international peace and security’ (2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, Preamble)
Our premise
Culture, cultural diversity, and cultural and creative industries are powerful transformational drivers towards more peaceful, cohesive, and resilient societies.
Some benefits companies may expect:
→ Creating both economic and social value, with more peaceful and cohesive multicultural societies,
→ Greater diversity, inclusion, trust, and collaboration among their employees,
→ Increased creativity, performance, and productivity of employees,
→ Better understanding of customer needs,
→ The emotional and mental well-being and health of employees and communities,
→ Employees’ personal and professional fulfillment and quality of life,
→ The quality, performance, and stability of culturally diverse boards,
→ Enhanced brand value and reputation related to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability,
→ Improved dialogue with local communities,
→ Improved social relations, intercultural understanding, and peace,
→ Indirect contribution to other aspects of sustainable development.
What can companies do to foster cultural diversity?
→ Implement policies and mechanisms to promote intercultural understanding,
→ Promote internal mechanisms for intercultural communication in favor of respect and appreciation of cultural differences,
→ Establish mechanisms, policies and training for diverse recruitment and appreciation of cultural differences,
→ Invest in the teaching of local or foreign languages within the company itself or in the community in which it operates,
→ Support the protection of cultural heritage and all cultural expressions conveyed through the arts,
→ Support the economic viability and vitality of cultural industries, artists, and other cultural professionals, including through the provision of space/facilities,
→ Establish technical assistance and training programs to enable cultural professionals to better position themselves on the market, or to reduce the digital divide that makes it difficult to participate in cultural life online,
→ Promote entrepreneurship within the cultural sectors through capacity building, coaching in project management and business development,
→ Share what the company does best with artists, cultural institutions, associations, etc.,
→ Support (financially or otherwise) cultural events and meetings of artists and other professionals in the cultural sectors,
→ Support associations or non-governmental organizations that act in favor of cultural integration, intercultural dialogue, and cultural minorities,
→ Establish processes of dialogue with local cultural communities to limit any negative impact that the company’s activities may have and to generate primarily positive effects, highlighting and enhancing the value of these communities,
→ Contribute to international funds in support of culture and cultural diversity.
A few concepts
Diversity – “Characteristics of differences and similarities between people”. Diversity impacts “the identities and perspectives that people bring when interacting at work” and “can support the development of workplace environments and practices that foster learning from others to gain diverse perspectives on inclusiveness.” “Diversity dimensions include the demographic and other personal characteristics [such as] age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, as well as characteristics related to socio-economic context.” (ISO 30415:2021 and ISO 30400:2022)
Cultural diversity – “Cultural diversity is made manifest not only through the varied ways in which the cultural heritage of humanity is expressed, augmented and transmitted through the variety of cultural expressions, but also through diverse modes of artistic creation, production, dissemination, distribution and enjoyment, whatever the means and technologies used.” (2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions – Article 4.1)
Artist – “any person who creates or gives creative expression to, or re-creates works of art, who considers his artistic creation to be an essential part of his life, who contributes in this way to the development of art and culture and who is or asks to be recognized as an artist, whether or not he is bound by any relations of employment or association.” (1980 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist – Article I.1)
Culture and sustainable development – “While the safeguarding and promotion of culture represents an end in itself, it also contributes transversally to many of the SDGs — including those on sustainable cities, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, the environment, promoting gender equality, innovation and peaceful and inclusive societies. The role of culture can be addressed both as a driver that contributes directly to bringing about economic and social benefits, and also as an enabler that contributes to the effectiveness of development interventions.” (UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators, p. 12)