Team Blitz India
BHUBANESWAR: India reiterated its commitment to promoting cultural dialogue, encouraging shared learning, and strengthening cooperation among G20 member nations at the second meeting of the G20 Culture Working Group here on May 15. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy conveyed this message in his inaugural address.
Also present at the two-day meeting was Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, who along with Reddy, highlighted the important role of culture in shaping global policymaking.
Enables collaboration
Rai asserted that culture plays a key role in finding inclusive and sustainable solutions for modern challenges. Emphasizing the significance of the G20 Culture Working Group, Reddy underscored its pivotal role in fostering collaboration and facilitating dialogue among member nations.
“Our shared vision aims to create a global policy landscape that appreciates and recognizes the immense value of cultural diversity. The influence of culture in promoting social harmony, fostering intercultural dialogue, and nurturing mutual understanding cannot be overstated,” said Reddy.
World as a family
Drawing a connection to the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (whole world is a family), Reddy explained the concept that despite differences in culture, religion, language, or ethnicity, humanity is united as one global family.
Reddy highlighted the transformative power of cultural exchange, underlining its potential in driving sustainable development. He explained how cultural exchange stimulates local economies, safeguards cultural heritage, and supports community development. He also stressed the need to build upon the strong foundation laid by previous G20 presidencies, ensuring that culture remains a focal point on the G20 agenda.
Saving the future
Recognising the wisdom inherent in local traditions and knowledge, Reddy praised their capacity to impart valuable lessons on environmental stewardship and resource utilization. He emphasized the importance of integrating this wisdom into contemporary sustainable development strategies, propelling the creation of a more resilient and sustainable future.
Illustrating culture’s pivotal role in forging an eco-conscious society, Reddy highlighted the immense potential of the G20 Culture Working Group in advancing the ongoing endeavor to place culture at the heart of global policymaking. By working steadfastly towards this goal, he envisioned the fostering of an inclusive, equitable, and environmentally conscious global community.
Transformative journey MoS Rai drew attention to the synchronous occurrence of India’s G20 presidency and the beginning of its transformative journey ‘Amrit Kaal’. Rai underscored India’s aspiration to emerge as a futuristic, prosperous, inclusive, and developed nation by the time it commemorates 100 years of independence.
Rai further invoked the Prime Minister’s vision of a unified world, transcending the notions of First World or Third World. He reiterated India’s belief in a collective effort from the global community to forge a better future.
