Culture, education and creative dialogue were on the agenda during a recent international conference where the Virgin Islands was represented by Tourism and Culture Junior Minister Luce Hodge-Smith.
Ms. Hodge-Smith attended the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development — known as MONDIACULT 2025 — from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 in Barcelona, Spain.
The VI’s attendance was part of its ongoing participation in global cultural policy discussions and its partnership with UNESCO to work toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, according to government.
The forum brought together culture ministers and other senior policymakers from around the world to discuss strategies for integrating culture into sustainable development and peace-building initiatives, according to government.
Panel talks
Ms. Hodge-Smith took part in two panel discussions.
One, focused on culture and education, examined how cultural heritage, creative industries and education systems can work together to “empower youth” and promote lifelong learning.
The other, themed “culture and peace,” explored how cultural exchange, dialogue and preservation can help foster peaceful and resilient societies.
“The junior minister highlighted the territory’s efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage, promote local arts, and strengthen community engagement through cultural programmes,” government stated in a press release about the event. “She underscored the importance of intercultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy in maintaining harmony within diverse societies.”
Ms. Hodge-Smith also stressed the territory’s commitment to promoting culture as “a pillar” of national development and identity, according to government.
“Emphasis was placed on integrating cultural education into the national curriculum and supporting creative youth initiatives,” the release stated.
‘Shaping the future’
Ms. Hodge-Smith said the event was productive.
“It was an honour to represent the Virgin Islands at MONDIACULT 2025 and share our vision for culture as a driver of education, peace and sustainable development,” she said. “The discussions reaffirmed that culture is not only about preserving traditions but about shaping the future through creativity, learning and unity.”
UN goals
The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals — which all UN member states adopted in 2015 — include eliminating hunger and poverty, reducing inequality, and ensuring access to health care, quality education, clean water and reasonable employment, among others.
