The inaugural session of the third G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting was organised today in Hampi, Karnataka. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines of India Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Pralhad Joshi addressed the session. Addressing the participants, he said “We have progressed from identifying and deliberating the four priorities to seeking consensus on the action-oriented recommendations that would be a significant step in placing culture at the heart of policymaking.” The 4 priority areas are: Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property; Harnessing Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future; Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and Creative Economy; and Leveraging Digital Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of Culture.
He further added “We are not just attendees at a meeting, we are active participants in a global cultural shift.” Pralhad Joshi added “We strive to build consensus on the ministerial declaration containing the four priority areas which are cornerstones in our vision of an inclusive and sustainable future.” Speaking about the four priorities he also said that the priorities showcase a world that is culturally diverse yet unified, a world where cultural heritage is both a pillar of the past and a pathway to the future. Highlighting the invaluable contributions of the G20 member countries he said “Your insights, comments, and feedback on the preliminary draft of the Ministers Declaration have been instrumental in shaping our shared vision.” He also added that in a world teeming with diversity, our shared cultural heritage is the thread that binds us all.
