CC BY 4.0International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)2026-08-192026-08-192026-08-19https://repository.ifla.org/handle/20.500.14598/7260The 36 Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) prepared and presented by UN Member States at this year’s High-Level Political Forum demonstrate once again that, even in the absence of a dedicated culture goal in the 2030 Agenda, governments around the world recognise the role of culture in sustainable development. A study of references in the Reviews shows that it is standard practice both to see culture as a goal in itself – from upholding cultural rights to protecting heritage and promoting creativity – and as a driver and determinant of success in other areas.enghttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/UN Sustainable Development GoalsSustainabilityCulture for developmentReportsInternational Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)