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In times of economic disruption, the issue of sustainability is often overlooked. Living heritage, that encompasses traditional knowledge systems and cultural practices, is often seen as an enabler to build a pro-planet society. These practices can help achieve environmental sustainability as well as improve economic well-being.

Living heritage serves as social capital for communities, providing a sense of shared identity, fostering social cohesion, and promoting cultural continuity across generations. Many of these practices prioritize the use and reuse of natural resources, contributing to waste reduction and maintenance of a balance between social, economic, and environmental factors, thus contributing to sustainability. However, these traditional practices face the threat of misuse and of cultural appropriation of elements, design or knowledge of indigenous communities by transnational companies. Therefore, we need methods to not only safeguard but also protect them from misappropriation.

Given the important role that living heritage plays in addressing the various dimensions of sustainability and recognising the various challenges it faces, it is imperative that the G20 members acknowledge the importance of protecting, preserving and strengthening our traditional cultural practices and knowledge systems. To achieve this, the Culture Working Group under India’s G20 Presidency aims to mobilise the support of member states in promoting these practices by leveraging existing initiatives of members and mainstreaming living heritage in policy frameworks.

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