COVID-19 has plunged theaters into darkness, thrown down the shutters on art galleries, and canceled innumerable concerts, exhibitions and book signings. According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the cancelation of public performances alone has cost authors roughly 30 percent of their royalties worldwide, while the global film industry has reported a revenue loss of $7 billion.

Least developed countries (LDCs) have so far been spared from the worst effects of the health emergency, yet the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on their economies, rolling back some of the progress made towards sustainable development and possibly leading to long-term damage. Not only has the crisis laid bare structural weaknesses of LDCs, but also the deep-seated flaws of the international support measures at their disposal. It has also brought back to the fore the pivotal role of productive capacities for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient recovery.

In the Sustainable Development Agenda, Goal 8 is the main reference point for the future of work. Target 8.9 makes explicit linkages with culture: by 2030, it calls for countries "to devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism which creates jobs, promotes local culture and products". Several Member States cite ambitions and initiatives to boost employment through the cultural sector, in line with SDG 8, within their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), particularly through tourism and the creative and cultural industries.

Inequalities and vulnerabilities risk worsening long after a vaccine becomes available. UNCTAD charts a roadmap for a more inclusive and better recovery, emphasizing the need to reshape global production networks.

Australia and the Pacific Community (SPC) have renewed their longstanding partnership, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the sustainable development of the Pacific.

Con distintas propuestas e intervenciones, la Argentina participó en la edición digital del Congreso Iberoamericano de Cultura, un foro de diálogo entre el sector cultural y la ciudadanía de 22 países cuyo objetivo es reflexionar sobre cultura y desarrollo sostenible.