Second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting Concludes in Varanasi with Renewed Commitment to Cultural Cooperation

The second day of the 2nd BRICS Culture Working Group’s Meeting commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Arvind Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Opening
- Dr. Arvind Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture (India), delivered opening remarks.
- Discussions built on Day 1, reaffirming BRICS’ shared commitment to cultural cooperation.

Panel 1 – Institutional Strategies for Cultural Heritage Protection & Return of Cultural Property
- Moderated by Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur (IGNCA).
- Member States exchanged best practices on heritage protection and restitution.
- Emphasis on cultural heritage as vital for identity, community rights, and intercultural understanding.

Panel 2 – Collaborative Approaches for Safeguarding Shared Heritage
- Moderated by Dr. Arvind Kumar.
- Focused on joint nominations under UNESCO frameworks (World Heritage, Intangible Heritage, Memory of the World).
- Delegates explored how collaborative nominations strengthen recognition and transmission of shared heritage.

Panel 3 – Culture as a Driver of Sustainable Development: Post‑2030 Agenda
- Moderated by Smt. Amrita Sarbhai, Additional Secretary, Government of India.
- Examined culture’s role in social inclusion, environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and community well‑being.
- Explored pathways for integrating cultural dimensions into the global development discourse beyond 2030.

Cultural Programme
- Delegates experienced India’s living heritage in Kashi:
- Ganga Aarti
- Kashi Vishwanath Corridor visit
- Light & Sound Show
- Offered an immersive cultural showcase, reinforcing people‑to‑people ties.

Outcome
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of BRICS’ commitment to:
- Strengthening cultural cooperation
- Enhancing heritage protection
- Promoting joint cultural initiatives
- Embedding culture in the sustainable development agenda