The fourth meeting of the G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) begins in Varanasi

Tags: Summits

The 4th G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting begins in Varanasi and will end with the Culture Ministers' meeting on August 26, 2023.

An Overview of the News

• Representatives of G20 member states will attend the event, inviting countries and international organizations.

• Building on the successes of the previous meetings in Khajuraho, Bhubaneshwar, and Hampi, the Varanasi CWG meeting from August 23 to 25, 2023 aims to generate actionable outcomes by keeping culture at the core of policymaking.

• The "G20 Culture: Shaping the Global Narrative for Inclusive Growth" report, a compilation of insights and recommendations from expert-driven global thematic webinars, will be launched during the Culture Ministers' Meeting.

• The Varanasi Culture Ministers’ Meeting intends to prompt collective efforts to advance the four priority areas outlined by the Indian Presidency: 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 Culture's Protection and Promotion.

• CWG launched the campaign 'Culture unites all' under India's G20 presidency, symbolizing India's commitment to peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures. A unique postage stamp to commemorate this campaign will be unveiled on August 26, 2023.

• The G20 Global Orchestra's performance, titled "Sur Vasudha", will celebrate the musical heritage of the G20 member states and invitees.

• The G20 Culture Ministers' meeting was convened for the first time in 2020 during the Saudi Arabian Presidency. In 2021, the Italian Presidency formalized the Culture Working Group, leading to the inaugural G20 Culture Ministers' Meeting and the 'Declaration of the Rome Ministers of Culture'. The 'Bali Declaration' of 2022 under the Indonesian presidency further emphasized the role of culture in sustainable development.