The second Culture Group meeting under G20, is taking place in Bhubaneswar. It kicked off on Sunday and will continue till Tuesday. Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy stated the agenda of the meeting. He added that things like how to unify and maintain our culture in coordination with others, how culture has the potential to transcend boundaries, foster connections and inspire genuine dialogue and understanding among individuals, communities and nations, will prominently figure during the meeting.
The official statement issued, does suggest, the Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting under India's G20 Presidency will focus on 'Culture Unites All' in campaign mode to highlight India's unwavering belief in multilateralism based on peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and communities.
The official statement furthers, in today's linked world, culture is critical in creating collaborative solutions and promoting inclusion and peaceful living. “The theme 'Culture Unites All' acknowledges that, while cultural traditions and practises may differ greatly, they frequently share underlying values and principles.”
The statements says, 'Culture provides pathways to collaborate and develop sustainable and balanced solutions to contemporary global challenges'. Hence, capturing the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' the message expresses a comprehensive vision to strive towards a communal sustainable future and universal well-being.
The delegates from G20 members, guest nations, and several international organisations are participating in the summit. The meeting aims to build on the discussions from the 1st CWG meeting held in February at Khajuraho and the expert-driven Global Thematic Webinars focusing on the four priority areas of the CWG: 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.
Along with the sessions and bilateral meetings of the 2nd Culture Working Group meeting, the G20 delegates will also visit historic heritage monuments of Odisha such as the Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Udayagiri caves in Bhubaneshwar. The delegates will also be treated to exciting cultural performances which represent the diverse and colourful heritage of the state of Odisha.
The 3rd CWG meeting will be held in Hampi from 15-18 July 2023 and the Culture Ministers' Meeting is scheduled to take place in Varanasi from the end of August 2023.
