KUCHING: Kuching has joined 250 cities worldwide in signing the Braga Manifesto, advocating for culture to be a standalone goal in the post-2030 sustainable development agenda.
The signing took place during the XVI Annual Conference of the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Braga, Portugal, from July 1-5.
Mayor of Kuching South City Council, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, represented Kuching at the high-level Mayor’s Forum where the manifesto was signed.
The document emphasises the integration of culture at the local level to support the global sustainable development goals.
Kuching’s participation follows its successful completion of the Mondiacult survey, a comprehensive data-collection effort supporting the resolution adopted by 150 countries in 2022.
“We are very proud that Kuching has been represented in such an important international movement,” said Wee, adding, “in Sarawak, we recognise 34 ethnic groups, each with their own unique culture.”
“We live together in harmony, recognised as multi-cultural Malaysia’s first city of unity.
“We believe we have a lot to offer this global discussion as to how culture can support sustainable development going forward.
“In Braga, it was an honour to stand with so many other mayors, discussing our shared opportunities and challenges, and then to put forward our commitment to supporting culture at our local level.”
The Braga Manifesto commits Unesco Creative Cities to embed culture as a catalyst for people-centred transformation.
This includes protecting cultural rights, promoting arts education, advancing digital technologies, safeguarding cultural heritage, and fostering culture-driven practices to address environmental threats.
Meanwhile, Strategic Director of UCCN Kuching and Unesco Focal Point, Karen Shepherd, highlighted Kuching’s active involvement in this global advocacy movement.
“As a Creative City, Kuching is already closely involved in this global advocacy movement. We have just completed the Mondiacult survey, a wide-ranging study which shares our city’s cultural policy,” she said.
“This was the collaborative work of multiple government agencies, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts. As a result, our local context will now be included in these vital international discussions.”
Kuching and Sarawak will continue to work at the local level to further their vision as a creative and cultural city under Unesco.
This aligns with PCDS 2030, promoting economy, society, and environment equally through innovation and data.
