We are very pleased to welcome the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Climate Change and Environment, Government of Tuvalu as a new National Member of the Federation.

The Department of Culture was established in 1978, reflecting the vision of the nation’s founders who enshrined culture as one of the fundamental pillars of Tuvalu’s Constitution.

The Department of Culture currently operates under several guiding frameworks including:

• Strategic Priority Area 4 of Te Kete
• Priority 18 of the 21 National Priorities
• The MHACCE Corporate Plan 2024–2027
• The Tuvalu National Culture Policy 
   

At the regional level, the Department of Culture represents Tuvalu as a member of the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture, working in close collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) to advance the Pacific’s cultural industries. The Department is actively implementing objectives of the Regional Culture Strategy: Investing in Pacific Cultures, ensuring Tuvalu remains visible and engaged in regional cultural platforms. Increased manpower and funding are vital prerequisites to strengthen Tuvalu’s presence and to access the significant funding opportunities available for culture across the region and internationally.

Internationally, Tuvalu has taken important steps to domesticate its obligations under cultural conventions. Tuvalu is a State Party to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the 1972 World Heritage Convention. Both conventions are critical for the protection of traditional knowledge and historical sites. Depositing the instruments of ratification is a significant milestone, particularly as safeguarding cultural heritage is closely linked to Tuvalu’s resilience in the face of climate change and sea level rise.