The 4th G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting, under India’s Presidency, in Varanasi today commenced with discussions on the Draft declaration with the delegates from the G20 members, and other participating international organisations.

Delivering the welcome remarks,  Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Chair – G20 CWG, Govind Mohan, highlighted the uniting power of culture by expressing that the universal canvas of culture epitomises the shared human journey, fortifying our sense of global kinship.

The Chair, G20 CWG also commended the exceptional feat achieved by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar South Pole, underscoring India's growing prowess in the realm of space exploration. G20 members also congratulated India for its successful Mission to the moon.

Following the inaugural session, the working sessions began with the delegates participating in discussions over the Draft of the Culture Ministers Declaration for the upcoming Culture Ministers’ Meeting on Saturday.

Our correspondent reports that after the discussions concluded for the day, the delegates visited Sarnath, near the confluence of the Ganges and the Varuna rivers in Varanasi. After visiting the archaeological site of Sarnath, the delegates also had a guided tour of the Sarnath Museum, which is located adjacent to the excavated site at Sarnath. The delegates also experienced an immersive cultural performance showcasing India’s rich music traditions – “Waves of Music” which had four exciting presentations underlining Hindustani Classical Music.