India participates in the G20 Culture Ministers Meeting hosted by Italy

The discussion was held on Protection of Cultural Heritage; addressing the climate crisis through culture; building capacity through training and education; digital transition and new technologies for culture; and culture and creative sectors as drivers for growth.

New Delhi:Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture participated in the G20 Culture Ministers Meeting on 30 July hosted by Italy during their ongoing Presidency of G20 in New Delhi.

The discussion was held on Protection of Cultural Heritage; addressing the climate crisis through culture; building capacity through training and education; digital transition and new technologies for culture; and culture and creative sectors as drivers for growth.

Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture outlined the significance of culture and creative sectors in providing economic growth and employment as well as its potential to give more opportunities to women, youth and to local communities which have very rich and diverse cultural traditions and practices, to promote production and consumption practices that are more environmentally friendly as in the production of handlooms, handicrafts and khadi etc. and its importance and relevance for India.

Lekhi emphasized that culture and creative sector sustainably promoting development, reducing inequalities, sustainably promoting development and providing distinct identity to people.

She highlighted the various measures taken by India to develop the cultural and creative sectors like the One District One Product scheme of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, Tourism circuits, promotion of Yoga and Ayurveda etc.

She emphasized and supported the need for international dialogue and collaboration to tackle common issues adopted to the cultural and creative sectors and to suitably inform and adopt public policies.

She reiterated India’s commitment to international cultural cooperation and collaboration in efforts to support and facilitate the cultural and creative sectors of societies.

At the end of the discussions, the G20 Ministers of Culture adopted the G20 Culture Working Group Terms of Reference.