In a compelling address at the Special Session of G7 Ministers’ meeting on Culture in Naples, Italy, India made a strong case for elevating the role of culture in global development strategies. Arunish Chawla, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Culture, led the delegation in advocating for culture to be recognized as a standalone goal in the post-2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

“We must see culture not as a static relic of our collective past, but as a dynamic catalyst for growth,” Chawla said during his speech. This perspective, he said, represents a paradigm shift in how development is conceptualized on the global stage. “As we approach the United Nations Summit of the Future, it is essential to advocate for the inclusion of culture as an autonomous goal within the Pact for the Future,” Chawla said.

The meeting, which brought together cultural leaders from G7 nations, the African Union, and international organizations, served as a platform for India to showcase its growing partnership with Africa. Chawla highlighted the recent admission of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency, framing it as a milestone in the strengthening ties between India and the African continent.

India’s commitment to supporting African cultural initiatives was evident in its recent actions. At the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting, India backed the nomination dossiers of several African nations.

Furthermore, a significant pledge of $1 million was made to bolster capacity building in Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries, and the African region, underlining India’s dedication to preserving and promoting global cultural heritage.

The Naples meeting culminated in the signing of the Naples Statement, a document that aims to harness culture as a driver of sustainable development in Africa and beyond. The statement emphasizes knowledge sharing, protection of cultural property, and the promotion of African representation in UNESCO Heritage Lists.

Chawla also touched upon India’s efforts during its G20 Presidency, where it organized expert-driven Global Thematic Webinars that highlighted the synergy between various cultural conventions on a global platform.

This initiative, he said, was a precursor to the discussions at the Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century held last November.