In partnership with the Ministry of Culture UAE, the British Council has co-commissioned a first-of-its-kind baseline analysis of culture-based climate action in the UAE.
Through a deeply participatory and place-based approach, the research captures diverse perspectives from almost 50 cultural organisations, as well as cultural and environmental practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders across the Emirates.
The research aims to mobilise collective, people-centred climate action for resilience, while also advocating for culture in all its forms to be embedded in existing climate policy mechanisms at a national level, such as National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally-Determined Contributions (NDCs). It will also support the development of a national policy of culture and climate change that aligns with global integration of cultural activities into climate change policies at UNESCO and the UNFCCC.
The report provides inspiration for policymakers to embed culture into climate policies and climate into cultural policies, and explore creative solutions to the climate emergency. It builds on the efforts of the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action (GFCBCA), co-chaired by the Ministries of Culture of the UAE and Brazil, of which British Council is a proud knowledge partner.
The results will be highly valuable in encouraging a cross-sectoral and inclusive approach to policymaking related to climate through culture, arts and heritage, in the UAE and beyond.
The report will be featured at both MONDIACULT 2025 – the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – and COP30. This will be followed by engagement with cultural, education and environmental partners in different Emirates through workshops and interactive dialogues.
Download a copy of the research brief below.