New Delhi: UNESCO commended the G20’s commitment to prioritizing culture in policymaking. A press release by the UN agency noted the G20 Culture Ministers’ meeting in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, on Friday with a joint commitment to bolster investment in cultural policies. The ministers focused on four key areas: cultural diversity and social inclusion; digital environment and copyright; the creative economy; and the preservation, safeguarding, and promotion of cultural heritage and memory, the release said.
The declaration underscores the growing recognition of culture as a crucial element in building prosperous and peaceful societies, UNESCO said. Director-General Audrey Azoulay lauded the G20’s commitment, stating, “Culture is a pillar in the construction of prosperous and peaceful societies. This is why UNESCO has advocated for this sector to be better recognized in multilateral fora and public policies. I am delighted that this has resulted in a strong commitment from G20 Member States, under the presidency of Brazil.”
The G20’s focus on culture builds upon the 2023 G20 summit in India, where leaders called for culture to be a stand-alone goal in the post-2030 Agenda. Brazil’s leadership in 2024 has spearheaded discussions on crucial issues such as promoting cultural rights, examining the impact of Artificial Intelligence on cultural diversity, supporting artists’ work, and leveraging culture for climate action, the release added.