Cultural diversity is a characteristic element of sustainable societies and a powerful vector of democratic participation. By promoting culture and cultural heritage, the Council of Europe contributes to strengthening societies and protecting the environment. It also promotes human rights, including the right to life, to health, to free expression and to creativity. 
 

The Council of Europe has developed a set of conventions in the fields of culture, heritage and landscape: the European Cultural Convention, the Council of Europe Landscape Convention, the Framework Convention on the value of cultural heritage for society (Faro Convention) and the Convention on offences relating to cultural property (Nicosia Convention).

Through the follow-up and monitoring mechanisms of these conventions and co-operation and technical assistance activities, the Organisation helps member states promote access to culture and creative expression, to create respect for the diversity of cultural and natural heritage, and to attune spatial/regional planning with sustainability-driven landscape policies.

This task includes fostering co-operation, capacity building (legislative and technical assistance) and sharing of good practices. There is also close work with the European Union and other stakeholders such as United Nations, UNESCO, the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the European Council of Spatial Planners (ECTP), and the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA).