Culture in the G20 under the Presidency of Saudi Arabia
The first meeting of G20 ministers of culture in history took place under the Saudi Presidency in 2020, making it the very first step in establishing an annual meeting to help anchor culture in the global policy agenda.
The economic and social disruption entailed by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic had starkly exposed the vulnerability of the culture sector, while also bringing to light its critical contribution to the global economy, to the resilience, well-being and prosperity of societies. Under these unique circumstances, Saudi Arabia convened a Meeting of Ministers of Culture among the preparatory meetings in the context of the G20, and successfully campaigned for culture to be added as a distinct track at the G20, thus laying the foundation for an effective cooperation among G20 members to accelerate the recovery of the cultural sector from the repercussions of the pandemic, and to enhance the collective commitment to strengthening culture as a driver for sustainable development, resilience and prosperity of societies.
Rethinking the future of culture means seeing it as much more than an economic sector. It is an overarching need, underpinning all aspects of our societies. It is not a cost, it is a purpose. It must not be on the side-lines of recovery efforts, it must be central to them.
Building a new paradigm for Culture
鈥淭he Rise of the Cultural Economy: A new Paradigm鈥 was the overarching theme of the Ministerial Meeting, echoing the ongoing global reflection on the role of culture in recovery, resilience and prosperity. Discussions addressed the broad spectrum of cultural policies, i.e. the protection and preservation of cultural, natural, and underwater heritage, including artefacts; the safeguarding of living heritage and cultural expressions; the strengthening of cultural industries and the creative economy, including the craft and tourism sectors as major vectors of income generation and employment; the leading role of museums and cultural institutions to sustain heritage education, cultural literacy and cultural exchange globally.
