The G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting will take place in Varanasi on Saturday. The culture ministers from G20 member nations and guest countries, along with representatives from six international organizations, will participate in discussions. The draft of the ministerial declaration on culture is being deliberated upon, and a “full consensus” is expected to be reached. The Varanasi Culture Ministers’ Declaration will be issued after the meeting on August 26.
During a press briefing, Union Culture Secretary Govid Mohan stated that the ongoing fourth meeting of the G20 Culture Working Group and the Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi are progressing well. The meeting has representatives from UNESCO and ICOMOS, among other international organizations. The Culture Working Group Meeting concluded on Friday, and the ministerial meeting will take place on Saturday. The Varanasi Culture Ministers’ Declaration will be issued at the end of the meeting. The press conference was attended by Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Culture Meenakashi Lekhi, and Govid Mohan.
Varanasi has been prepared for the G20 event, with the city and its ghats receiving sprucing up. Union Culture Minister Reddy expressed his satisfaction that the important event is being held in Varanasi, which is known as the cultural capital of India. A performance by the G20 Global Orchestra titled ‘Sur Vasudha’ will showcase the musical heritage of member nations and invitee countries. Artists from 29 countries will perform with traditional instruments in this special orchestra. Later in the evening, delegates will witness the famous ‘Ganga Aarti’ ceremony held on Varanasi’s ghats.
Delegates and international experts have gathered in Varanasi for the fourth round of the Culture Working Group, which aims to generate actionable outcomes and prioritize culture in policymaking. The first three meetings of the Culture Working Group were held in Khajuraho, Bhubaneswar, and Hampi. The Chair of the G20 Culture Working Group, Govid Mohan, delivered the welcome remarks on Thursday, emphasizing the role of culture in development and the global economy. The delegates also visited Sarnath and its archaeological museum, which holds significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
The government announced that 170 delegates from G20 member and guest nations, as well as various international organizations, will attend the event in Varanasi. The Culture Ministers’ Meeting will mark the culmination of the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting.
