Culture and Sustainable Development: A View from Border Areas

Abstract

So far, culture has been defined as the fourth pillar of sustainable development - along with the pillars of economic, social and environmental development. In Vietnam, culture is considered both an objective and the driving force of the development of the country. However, it is necessary to institutionalize the role of culture into development policy and practice. This article mentions an example of how to consider the role of culture for sustainable development in the border region of Vietnam. To do so, the author explores how ethnic culture, national culture, popular culture and exogenous/foreign culture have influenced sustainable development in the region; he further provides recommendations and solutions that promote positive factors and minimize the negative impacts of these cultural forms.