INTRODUCTION
Africa has been endeavoring to realize its integration, build sustainable development and win the fight against poverty. Culture is seen as a sector which can greatly contribute to the sustainable development of African nations and the continent as a whole. For at least 40 years, the notion of the ‘cultural dimension of development’ - that culture is integral to development, and that cultural development and planning must be incorporated into and cut across other sectors such as economic, social and human development has been recognised internationally and within Africa.

In 1982, the World Conference on Cultural Policies produced the Mexico City Declaration on Cultural Policies in which the following was declared:

“Culture constitutes a fundamental dimension of the development process and it helps to strengthen the independence, sovereignty and identity of nations. Growth has frequently been conceived in quantitative terms without taking into account its necessary qualitative dimension, namely the satisfaction of people’s spiritual and cultural aspirations. The aim of genuine development is the continuing well-being and fulfillment of each and every individual”

The World Decade for Culture and Development (1988 – 1997) also went a step further in raising the profile of the role of culture in development. Nowadays, the global movements to recognize, acknowledge, enhance and strengthen the link between culture and development have gained further momentum. Some schools of thought recognize Culture as the fourth pillar for sustainable development, the other three being economic growth, social inclusion and environmental balance.

Culture as the fourth pillar for sustainable development addresses the relation between culture and sustainable development through dual means: firstly, the development of the cultural sector itself (i.e. heritage, creativity, cultural industries, crafts, cultural tourism); and secondly, ensuring that culture has its rightful place in all public policies, particularly those related to education, the economy, science, communication, environment, social cohesion and international cooperation.

At the end of 2010, global leaders met to evaluate progress made towards the achievement of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals, and passed a resolution at the United Nations that emphasized “the important contribution of culture for sustainable development and the achievement of national development objectives and internationally agreed development goals including the Millennium Development Goals.

It is against this background that the 3rd Pan-African Cultural Congress is being organized under the theme: “Culture, Societies and Sustainable Development”

For Africa to achieve its integration and development the incorporation of a cultural perspective into its development approaches and polices, backed up by sufficient financial and human resources it’s very essential. Political awareness should be raised amongst decision makers and further practical guidance should be developed on how to make culture central to development. The 3rd Pan-African Cultural Congress is thus an opportunity for cultural experts and practitioners to make a strong input on how culture can compliment government efforts in achieving growth and development on the continent.