Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action
The Group of Friends for Culture-based Climate Action (GFCBCA) is an informal international coalition, composed of States and international organizations, with the objective of integrating culture as a strategic axis in global climate change policies.
The current co-presidency is exercised by Brazil and the United Arab Emirates (2023–2026), responsible for organizing group activities, articulating agendas, convening meetings, and coordinating communications.
The group's main objective is to ensure that culture is recognized as a fundamental pillar in climate change adaptation and mitigation actions, influencing decision-making processes within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The group operates through political mobilization actions, engagement with climate negotiators, and participation in strategic events, such as UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties (COPs). Among the goals is the creation of a Work Programme on Culture and Climate within UNFCCC.
GFCBCA advocates for recognition of cultural heritage, creative industries, and traditional and indigenous knowledge as essential tools for building resilience, sustainability, and identity in climate crisis contexts. With UNESCO's support as the Lead Knowledge Partner, the initiative represents an articulated effort to position culture as an indispensable dimension in global climate action.
The group is based on four fundamental principles: (1) the importance of arts, cultural heritage, and creative industries in promoting climate-resilient sustainable development; (2) the need for international and multisectoral cooperation, including actions at local and regional levels; (3) inclusive engagement of diverse societal actors, from cultural institutions and artists to holders of traditional knowledge; and (4) protection of freedom of expression and diversity of cultural expressions.
Among its areas of action, the following stand out:
- Adoption of cultural strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation, with programs based on local contexts and centered on people;
- Just and green transition for the cultural sector, including tourism, sustainable production and consumption;
- Valorization of diverse knowledge systems, such as traditional communities and Indigenous Peoples, as well as vulnerable and marginalized communities;
- Protection of cultural heritage against climate impacts, in line with the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) approved at COP28.
Additionally, the group intends to promote culture as an autonomous objective in the post-2030 global agenda, support knowledge sharing and best practices, protect cultural sites threatened by climate change, and encourage their inclusion in national and local climate plans (NAPs and NDCs).
How to Become a Member
Participation in GFCBCA is voluntary and open to two types of members:
- United Nations member countries (UNFCCC Parties), who have voting rights;
- International intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, who can participate as Observers and Knowledge Partners.
To become a member, it is necessary to send a formal letter to GFCBCA co-presidents, indicating interest and naming a focal point who will represent the country or organization in group activities. Membership is confirmed by co-presidents, who are also responsible for maintaining an updated member list.
For this, use the email: cultureclimate@cultura.gov.br