A/77/290 seeks collaborations with academia to ensure an approach based on scientifically founded information in sustainable development strategies and policies. 44 In Serbia, culture and heritage are part of the sustainable strategy to improve, among other things, the accessibility of urban spaces. 45 40. The promotion of the social value of culture, its capacity to encourage critical thinking and its power to emancipate, empower and give freedom and autonomy to citizens are seen as key cultural dimensions of sustainable development in a number of States, including Spain. 46 Cuba reported the adoption of a transverse approach t o culture in the national plan of development, with emphasis on promoting cultural participation and the development of various capacities for the critical appreciation of the arts and literature, the creation of ethical, aesthetic, political and civic val ues and the defence of national cultural identity and heritage. 47 41. The emphasis on cultural rights therefore takes a variety of forms. It is important to ensure that States do not direct cultural development away from difficult aspects of cultural rights, which, for example, artistic freedom or land rights are for some States. A holistic approach, promoting all cultural rights in development processes, is important. 42. Where cultural rights have been recognized in national constitutions or in specific laws, the cultural dimension of development seems to have been taken into consideration more forcefully, as is the case in Nepal. 48 Mexico reported its understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals along four axes: culture for peace; diversity as the richness of humanity; fraternity between nations to protect heritage; and the defence and exercise of cultural rights. Hence, culture has been placed at the centre of development policies. 49 The Serbian law on culture sets out 15 principles of general interest in promoting cultural development and its integration into the long-term socioeconomic and political development of a democratic society and in encouraging the sustainable development of the cultural environment as an integral part of the broader environment. 50 43. Civil society also reported on positive developments. For example, it is reported that in South Africa, the pursuit of sustainable development led to the increased recognition of the legitimacy and knowledge of indigenous peoples. 51 Through its sustained work with various cities across the globe, United Cities and Local Governments was able to develop a database of 280 examples of positive cultural practices with regard to sustainable development, showing how cultural issues are important factors in achieving each of the Sustainable Development Goals. 52 44. Standards are not always implemented, however. For example, although South Africa has legal and constitutional requirements that consideration be given to cultural rights when applying environmental protection measures and governance in furtherance of sustainable development, it is reported that environmental impact assessments often fail to assess the cultural significance of specific natural resources to communities as a result of inadequate consultation with them. Failure to obtain the __________________ 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 12/24 Contribution of Italy, pp. 3 and 4. Contribution of Serbia, p. 4. Contribution of Spain, p. 5. Contribution of Cuba, pp. 6 and 7. Contribution of Nepal, p. 4. Contributions of Mexico, pp. 1 and 2, and Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos de México, pp. 11 and 13–15. Contribution of Serbia, pp. 2 and 3 and 6–8. Contribution of One Ocean Hub, pp. 8 and 9. Contribution of United Cities and Local Governments, pp. 2 and 3. See also United Cities and Local Governments, Culture in the Sustainable Development Goals: A Guide for Local Action (2018). The database is available at https://obs.agenda21culture.net/en. 22-12659