India Urges Inclusion of Culture as Standalone Goal at G7 Ministers' Meeting in Italy

India has emphasised the importance of including culture as a distinct goal in the upcoming UN Summit of the Future. This summit, scheduled for September 22 and 23 in New York, aims to create an action-oriented Pact for the Future. The pact will address various global issues, including sustainable development and international peace.

During a key meeting of culture ministers in Naples, Italy, India's delegation was led by Arunish Chawla and Lily Pandeya from the Union Ministry of Culture. Chawla highlighted that culture should be seen as a dynamic force for growth rather than just a relic of the past. He stressed that recognising culture as a standalone goal in the post-2030 Sustainable Development Agenda represents a significant shift in how we view development.

Focus on Cultural Synergies

Chawla referred to last November's Naples Conference on Cultural Heritage, which explored synergies between the 1972 World Heritage Convention and the 2003 ICH Convention. During India's G20 presidency, a Global Thematic Webinar highlighted the need for such synergies on a global stage for the first time.

The meeting in Naples also saw participation from cultural leaders across the globe, including representatives from the African Union, Brazil, Canada, and several European countries. Heads of UNESCO and ICCROM were also present. The Naples Statement on Culture for Sustainable Development was signed to work with African governments to leverage culture as a driver of sustainable development.

Supporting Africa's Cultural Development

The Naples Statement aims to foster knowledge sharing with African governments and cultural institutions. It seeks to support efforts to enhance cultural sectors, protect cultural property from illicit trafficking, and promote sustainable management of cultural heritage. Additionally, it aims to strengthen Africa's presence on UNESCO heritage lists.

Recognising culture as a transformative driver for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial. The integration of culture into development processes has been underscored while promoting its inclusion as a standalone goal in future discussions beyond 2030.

Bilateral Meetings and Cultural Cooperation

On the sidelines of the G7 outreach session, Chawla held bilateral meetings with Italy's Minister of Culture and ICCROM's Director General. Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao also attended these meetings. Discussions focused on important issues related to cultural cooperation.

The ministry stated that supporting culture and sustainable development in Africa involves fostering partnerships that align with African governments' priorities while respecting their cultural diversity. This approach aims to promote sustainable development through cultural initiatives.