Junior Minister for Tourism and Sustainable development Hon Luce D. Hodge-Smith represented the Virgin Islands at MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: GIS

Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, the Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism participated in the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2025 – held in Barcelona, Spain, from September 29 to October 1, 2025. Photo: Government of Virgin Islands

This global forum brought together Ministers of Culture and senior cultural policymakers from around the world to discuss strategies for integrating culture into sustainable development and global peacebuilding initiatives. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands.

Hon Hodge-Smith participated in the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development – MONDIACULT 2025 – held in Barcelona, Spain, from September 29 to October 1, 2025. 

This global forum brought together Ministers of Culture and senior cultural policymakers from around the world to discuss strategies for integrating culture into sustainable development and global peacebuilding initiatives.

During her participation, Honourable Hodge-Smith contributed insights in two panel discussions: one focused on Culture and Education, which examined how cultural heritage, creative industries, and education systems can collaborate to empower youth and promote inclusive, lifelong learning; the other addressed Culture and Peace, exploring the role of cultural exchange, dialogue, and preservation in fostering peaceful and resilient societies.

'Shaping the future through creativity, learning & unity

She remarked in a Government Information Service (GIS) press release, “The discussions reaffirmed that culture is not only about preserving traditions but about shaping the future through creativity, learning, and unity."

The Virgin Islands reiterated its commitment to advancing culture as a pillar of national development and identity, emphasising the integration of cultural education into the national curriculum and support for creative youth initiatives.

The Junior Minister highlighted the Territory’s efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage, promote local arts, and strengthen community engagement through cultural programmes. She underscored the importance of intercultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy in maintaining harmony within diverse societies. 

The Virgin Islands’ participation demonstrates its active involvement in global cultural policy discussions and its partnership with UNESCO in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).