Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the G20 nations to collectively make efforts for a future where culture is not just a part of our identity, but a driving force for sustainable development, social inclusion, and global harmony.
He was virtually addressing the Cultural Ministers' meeting of G20 on Saturday in Varanasi.
In his opening remarks for today's ministerial meeting, PM said that in a world rich with diversity, the shared cultural heritage is the thread that binds the world.
Welcoming the delegates to one of the oldest cities on earth and his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, PM said that, as the eternal city by the Ganges, Varanasi captures the confluence of culture, arts and traditions, making it a fitting backdrop for this meeting.
He said that the discussions and deliberations that have taken place as a part of the Culture Working Group Meetings and the Global Thematic Webinars on the priorities articulated by India’s G20 Presidency have been both remarkable and inspiring.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that through our combined wisdom and shared responsibility, we can transform the challenges that lie before us into opportunities for cultural progress globally.
Cultural Ministers' meeting of G20 today in Varanasi end with the announcement of Cultural Ministerial declaration.
A report titled "G20 Culture: Shaping the Global Narrative for Inclusive Growth” was launched as a part of the Culture Ministers’ Meeting.
A special stamp to commemorate the "Culture Unites All" campaign to highlight India’s unwavering belief in multilateralism was also released.
Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy along with Minister of State for Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi and Minister of State for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal took part in the meeting.
In his concluding remarks at the meeting, the Union Minister of Culture, G Kishan Reddy said that our endeavors at this meeting have brought us to a unique juncture where almost all points found a unanimous consensus. We should be proud of the ambition, forward looking vision and purpose of the text that we are about to adopt. It truly testifies that Culture Unites All. It is in this spirit that I would like to ask you to name this achievement the Kashi Culture Pathway, he urged.
Mr. Reddy added that we have affirmed that the return and restitution of cultural property is an imperative of social justice and we committed, as G20 members, to lead the path towards enabling the conditions for a sustained dialogue to that purpose.
Later in the evening the delegates witnessed the G20 Global Orchestra performance titled “Sur Vasudha'' celebrating the rich musical knowledge and heritage of G20 member nations and invitee countries.
