The United Cities and Local Governments Committee on Culture at the Third World Congress of United Cities and Local Governments recognised Culture as the "Fourth Pillar" of sustainable development joining economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental balance as the other pillars. It is worth discussing whether this view is valid and sufficiently comprehensive.

UCLG under their Agenda 21 for Culture has done a good deal to promote discussion of the cultural dimension of sustainable development. Aspects recognised have included the importance of cultural diversity and the value of a local cultural strategy. The web site of Culture 21 may be consulted at www.agenda21culture.net for information on this work.