ABU DHABI, The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCY) participated in the First G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting held recently under the Indian Presidency.
ttended by the G20 members, invited countries, and international organisations such as United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the meeting took place in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India.
This was the first of the four meetings of the CWG, during which members shared views on the four priority areas for a planned way forward in 2023. The members discussed the challenges and opportunities in the cultural ecosystem on a global scale, prioritising and protecting cultural heritage, promoting living heritage for sustainable development, ensuring the resilience of cultural and creative industries, and leveraging digital technologies for the protection and promotion of culture.
The UAE delegation highlighted the importance of communication and educational tools to create awareness and promote and preserve cultural heritage. They also reiterated the need for global cooperation and coordination to protect cultural heritage and emphasised the importance of recognising illicit trafficking as a cross-territorial challenge. They also proposed the creation of a G20 Culture Working Group Taskforce to protect cultural objects.
The UAE delegation showcased its experience in safeguarding and promoting living and natural heritage, illustrating the importance of leveraging sustainable traditional practices to advance the SDGs.
The importance of the resilience of the culture and creative industries and the need to protect the status of culture practitioners was discussed extensively. The UAE also shed light on its National Creative Relief Fund, and the facilities provided to creatives to live and work in the country.
Members discussed the role of technology in the culture industry, particularly in driving cultural tourism. The UAE reiterated the importance of leveraging technological benefits to ensure users’ access to cultural activities by establishing G20 standards for developing interoperable, connected, and accessible digital heritage platforms and databases. They also highlighted the threats emerging from technological trends.
The next meeting will occur later this year at a date to be set by the Indian Presidency to discuss the progress made on the 2023 work plan.
Source: Emirates News Agency