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

Cities, Culture, Creativity: Learning from the Republic of Korea’s Experience

This report describes examples demonstrating the leading role that Korea can play globally and provides practical insights on the importance of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) for economic
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Seoul's Experience in Cultural Heritage Sustainable Tourism and Urban Regeneration

This report details the evolution of Seoul’s efforts since the 1960s to balance all three elements of this critical equation: cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and urban regeneration. The five
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Culture

Conserving the Past as a Foundation for the Future: China-World Bank Partnership on Cultural Heritage Conservation

The rich cultural heritage of China is an essential touchstone of its collective identity. The country's archaeological sites, historic architecture, expressive arts, cultural landscapes, and ethnic
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