Deliberations Of G20 Second Culture Group Meeting Begin In Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneshwar, May 16 (TNA) The delegate-level deliberations of the G-20 second Culture Working Group meeting kicked off in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on Monday. The Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai graced the inaugural session of the meeting.
Addressing the delegates, Reddy said, “Culture plays an important role in global policymaking, as it leads to more inclusive and sustainable solutions to address contemporary challenges”. He also added “In this light, the G20 Culture working group plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and promoting dialogue among members. We are committed to promoting cultural dialogue, encouraging shared learning, and strengthening cooperation among members, while also giving due consideration to the unique cultural contexts and heritage of each nation".
The Minister further said, by pursuing a collective vision, we aim to create a more equitable and culturally aware global policy landscape that acknowledges the immense value of cultural diversity. The role of culture in promoting social cohesion, fostering intercultural dialogue, and promoting mutual understanding cannot be overstated.
The Culture Working Group is working with delegates of the G20 members, guest nations and international organisations through an inclusive process of in-depth discussions. These deliberations aim to identify critical areas for collaborative action, to further develop tangible recommendations and best practices for Sustainable Development.
"The ancient Indian philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is a family) beautifully connects with the concept of unity in diversity, as it promotes the idea that despite our differences in culture, religion, language, or ethnicity, we are all a part of one global family", he opined.
Highlighting the importance of Cultural exchange, the Minister said that it can contribute to sustainable development by promoting local economies, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting community development. He added that it is our duty to build upon the foundation laid by previous presidencies, to ensure that culture remains a key focus in the G20 agenda.
A set of cultural experiences have been curated for the delegates through the course of their visit. These include a visit to heritage sites like the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Udayagiri Caves. The delegates will also experience special dance performances native to the State of Odisha such as Tribal (Singari), Sambalpuri, Odissi and Gotipua dance.
As a part of the 2nd G20 Culture Working Group Meeting, an exhibition titled ‘Sustain: The Craft Idiom’ has been organised at Kala Bhoomi - Odisha Crafts Museum in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The exhibition’s theme focuses on the second priority outlined by the Culture Working Group - ‘Harnessing Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future’. The exhibition will be open to the public from 16th-22nd May 2023.