Culture

Culture shapes how cities grow and connect. Embedding cultural heritage, creativity, and local identity in urban planning strengthens community ownership, fosters inclusive public spaces, and supports sustainable lifestyles that value both people and place.

Culture is the heartbeat of a city and a foundation for sustainable urban transformation. It shapes how people interact with spaces, preserves identity and heritage, and drives creativity and innovation. Integrating cultural assets into urban planning reinforces community pride, fosters inclusive growth, and enhances the sense of belonging that makes cities unique. Culturally informed urban design can also boost local economies and tourism while strengthening the social fabric that underpins resilience.

 

Explore more resources in the GPSC Digital Library, featuring case studies, toolkits, and technical guidance from cities around the world. Use the filters and categories to navigate by theme or topic and find content tailored to your city’s priorities.

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Invest in liveable streets: Why and how governments can launch Liveable Streets Investment Programs

03 March - 03 March 2026, 10:00 EST

Introduction Goals Speakers Registration Download the Report Across countries, local governments are expected to deliver safer, healthier, more productive streets—yet funding and delivery systems often remain fragmented. This webinar will introduce the case for national and sub-national governments
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Culture

Resilient Cultural Heritage: Learning from the Japanese Experience

Japan’s cultural heritage (CH) is among the richest in the world, but the country is faced with some of the most difficult challenges in its exposure to hazards. With earthquakes, volcanic eruptions
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Culture

The Economics of Uniqueness: Investing in Historic City Cores and Cultural Heritage Assets for Sustainable Development

With rapid urbanization, cities featuring valuable historic cores and heritage assets struggle to modernize without completely losing their uniqueness. The good news is that there is an increasing
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Culture

Building Back Stronger: Urban Resilience Through Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Rebuilding cities and towns after protracted conflict is a more common occurrence than many would find acceptable. It is also a policy challenge that can either exacerbate or help alleviate simmering
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