CHANDI 2025 Produces Bali Cultural Initiative Declaration 2025, Affirms The Role Of Culture In The Global Stage

CHANDI 2025 gave birth to the Bali Cultural Initiative Declaration 2025. (IST)

The 2025 THANDI Forum gave birth to the Bali Cultural Initiative Declaration 2025, initiated by Indonesia through the Ministry of Culture. This document confirms the central role of culture as the glue of social cohesion and pillars of sustainable development. This joint commitment of 35 countries is directed to maintain cultural diversity, protect noble heritage, and strengthen cultural diplomacy as a bridge to a peaceful and inclusive world.

Bali Cultural Initiative Declaration 2025 which was initiated at the 2025 Forum Culture, Heritage, Art, Narrative, Diplomacy and Innovation (CHANDI) at The Meru, Denpasar, Bali, Wednesday, September 3, was born in the midst of environmental crises, social inequality, digital transformation, and geopolitical instability. In that situation, culture is seen as not just an identity, but rather a driving force for innovation, a source of creativity, and a catalyst for inter-adaban dialogue. The younger generation as well as the creative industry are placed as the main actors in building dynamical and resilient society facing the future.

The Bali Cultural Initiative Declaration 2025 highlights five main issues. First, culture as a pillar of sustainable development, with traditional knowledge and integrated creativity into climate and biological conservation policies.

Second, cultural diplomacy as a bridge to peace, through the exchange of artists, youth, academics, and international cultural actors.

Third, digital innovation for cultural conservation, including the use of ethical artificial intelligence and protection of intellectual property rights.

Fourth, empowering the younger generation and strengthening the community-based creative industry.

Fifth, preserving cultural heritage as a global responsibility by preventing illegal trading of artifacts and supporting repatriation.

As a follow-up, six concrete steps were agreed: encouraging real action across sectors, mainstreaming culture in development policies, promoting sustainable cultural practices, designing international cultural policy frameworks, strengthening investment in the creative sector, and creating sustainable dialogue platforms.

Through this declaration, CHANDI 2025 reiterated that culture is the foundation of identity, solidarity, and community resilience as well as a relevant inclusive economic motorbike amidst global challenges.