In the aftermath of the G-20 Culture Ministers’ meeting held in Varanasi, the international community witnessed a landmark moment with the unanimous acceptance of the ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ Outcome Document by all G-20 member nations. While a consensus was reached on cultural matters, a clear unanimity remained elusive on pressing “geopolitical issues,” such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Role of Culture within G-20
Culture’s Role in Global Growth and Sustainable Development
The global stage has increasingly recognized culture as a catalyst for both growth and sustainable development. This acknowledgment was reaffirmed through the MONDIACULT 2022 UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development, which endorsed culture as a “global public good.” The initial gathering of G-20 Culture Ministers in 2020 underscored the multifaceted contribution of culture to advancing the G-20 agenda. In 2021, the integration of culture into the G-20 agenda was solidified through the establishment of the Culture Working Group, emphasizing the interconnectedness between culture and other policy domains. The Rome Declaration of G20 Ministers further solidified culture’s central role in driving sustainable socio-economic recovery, recognizing its intrinsic value for development across various dimensions.
Culture’s Significance under India’s G20 Presidency
Guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, reflecting the idea of a shared global family, India’s G20 Presidency prioritizes the celebration and incorporation of cultural diversity among member states. This aspiration aligns with the pursuit of holistic living and the creation of a pro-planet society. As one of the 13 thematic Working Groups established by the Indian Presidency, the Culture Working Group serves as a crucial platform for representatives from G20 Member countries to discuss priorities and provide recommendations. The Group’s objectives encompass themes such as the protection of cultural property, leveraging living heritage for sustainability, promoting cultural and creative industries, and harnessing digital technologies for cultural preservation.
Key Priorities Set by India’s G20 Presidency
- Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property: Emphasis on addressing destruction of cultural heritage during conflicts, curbing illicit artifact trafficking, and restitution of cultural property, including that of indigenous communities.
- Harnessing Living Heritage for Sustainability: Recognition of the misuse and misappropriation of living cultural heritage, particularly among local communities and indigenous peoples, for commercial purposes.
- Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries: Advocacy for the growth and recognition of cultural and creative industries, contributing to socio-economic development.
- Leveraging Digital Technologies for Cultural Protection: Exploring the role of digital technologies in safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage.
Outcomes of the ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ Document
The ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ Outcome Document emerged as a pivotal articulation of collective intent:
- Preserving Cultural Heritage in Conflict: A unanimous resolve against the destruction of cultural heritage, whether intentional or collateral, especially within conflict scenarios.
- Combatting Illicit Trafficking: A call for a more robust global coalition to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural property, with emphasis on cooperative measures and enhanced law enforcement collaboration.
- Empowering Law Enforcement and Professionals: Advocacy for strengthening law enforcement and specialized cultural professionals through research, documentation, awareness-raising, and capacity-building efforts to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
- Regulating Online Trade: Emphasis on preventive measures and regulatory mechanisms to address the illicit export of cultural property, particularly within the realm of online commerce.
- Enabling Dialogue on Restitution: Promoting inclusive dialogues concerning the return and restitution of cultural property through the facilitation of alternate dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Harnessing Living Heritage: Reaffirmation of the commitment to bolster institutional and policy frameworks to leverage living heritage for sustainable development, while addressing misuse and misappropriation issues.
UPSC Mains Questions
- In what ways can the integration of culture within the G20 agenda contribute to the achievement of sustainable socio-economic recovery, as emphasized by the Rome Declaration?
- Considering India’s emphasis on cultural diversity and holistic living, how might the four culture-related priorities under its G20 Presidency align with the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam?
- How can the cooperative measures outlined in the ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ Document effectively address the challenges posed by the illicit trafficking of cultural property, both within physical and digital realms?
