Why children’s cultural centers need to educate on sustainable development
The activities of the Association of Finnish Children’s Cultural Centers are based on the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Article 31, which states every child is entitled to a cultural and artistic life. The Association’s core values are quality, equality, child orientation, and art. The Association enables and coordinates national and global cooperation to increase and develop children’s cultural activities focused on equality and promoting well-being throughout Finland. The children’s cultural centers are targeted at children and young people in order to promote their rights through art and culture.
In light of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child’s right to a good future is unequivocal. Of particular note in the Convention regarding children’s future are Article 6, guaranteeing every child the innate right to life and full development, and Article 24, which emphasizes the right to pure drinking water and an unpolluted environment. The Finnish Constitution also highlights everyone’s responsibility for nature, its diversity, the environment, and cultural heritage. Public authorities must strive to ensure everyone a right to a healthy environment, along with an opportunity to influence decisions regarding their environment.
Guide to Sustainable Development for Children’s Cultural Centers
Children’s cultural operators can respond to young people’s and children’s growing environ-mental concerns by identifying and addressing feelings on the environment through art and culture. Our goal is to provide inspiration and tips for these opportunities, as well as challen-ges. The guide focuses primarily on ecological sustainability, but also explores other goals for a sustainable future.
