José Guirao asks UNESCO for more culture in 2030 Agenda

The Spanish minister believes that this task of reflecting the role of culture in specific projects is "essential for achieving recognition of the contribution made by our sector to the 2030 Agenda". "Culture is an integrator, an essential factor in achieving transformational development and one that helps build a fairer, more inclusive and more equal world", he said.

In his speech, José Guirao urged UNESCO "to lead from today the establishment of specific lines of action on which states must focus in order to ensure that culture forms part of the Sustainable Development Goals".

"It is true that the cross-cutting nature of cultural and creative activities does indeed help the development of various goals, but we should make a coordinated effort for that contribution to be recognised", said José Guirao. "I don't mean we should shake up what is already done, but rather the references to culture in the 2030 Agenda should lead to specific projects and programmes", he added.

Announcement of joint bid from Spain and Portugal on the first circumnavigation of the globe.

The Acting Minister for Culture informed the plenary session of the UNESCO General Conference that Spain and Portugal intend to present a joint bid on the first circumnavigation undertaken by Fernando de Magallanes and Juan Sebastián Elcano, and that the two countries would like "other states with ties to this achievement to get involved".

The goal is to obtain "recognition of the importance of this achievement for humanity due to its impacts on education, science and culture, and to also receive support from UNESCO to remember such a major feat".

In statements to the media, the Spanish minister explained that "it will be a unique bid because there are no physical remains besides those present in the archives. For that reason, we are going to put it forward under the 'Memory of the World' category". José Guirao expects the bid to be presented during the period celebrating the expedition, which will end in 2021.

Review of operational guidelines for entry on the World Heritage List

The Spanish Minister for Culture and Sport also proposed a review of the current operational guidelines "so that they better respond to the importance of demonstrating the universal exceptional value required for addition to this list, removing the existing limitations and thereby continuing to add to its prestige".

"Spain is the country with the third-highest number of entries on the World Heritage List and we are fully aware of the seal of quality and excellence that this means", said José Guirao.

Spain, candidate for seat on Inter-governmental Council of the International Hydrological Programme

From the standpoint that Spain is a benchmark in terms of natural heritage protection with experience gained from 49 biosphere reserves (the highest number in the world) and management of 15 geoparks (the second highest number in the world), the Minister for Culture presented Spain's bid at the UNESCO General Conference for a seat on the Inter-governmental Council of the International Hydrological Programme. José Guirao said this bid is backed by "extensive experience in water resource management and collaboration with UNESCO on training in this regard".

Non official translation