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

VARANASI: The Second BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) Meeting successfully concluded here, marking a significant step forward in strengthening cultural partnerships and advancing common priorities among member states. The second day of the event commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Arvind Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, setting the stage for substantive deliberations.

The two-day meeting focused on key areas, including heritage protection, joint UNESCO nominations, and the role of culture in sustainable development.

Key Highlights and Panel Discussions:

• Protection and Return of Cultural Property: The first panel, moderated by Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), discussed "Institutional Strategies for Cultural Heritage Protection and Return of Cultural Property." Member states exchanged best practices and reaffirmed their commitment to heritage protection as a shared responsibility, emphasizing its role in fostering identity and intercultural understanding.

• Collaborative UNESCO Nominations: Moderated by Dr. Arvind Kumar, the second panel explored collaborative approaches for safeguarding shared heritage. Delegates brainstormed potential joint nominations under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Memory of the World Programme to boost international cooperation within the BRICS framework.

• Culture for Sustainable Development: The final session, chaired by Smt. Amrita Sarbhai, Additional Secretary, Government of India, examined culture as a catalyst for the Post-2030 Agenda. The discussion highlighted the deep links between culture, social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience.

BRICS Cultural Collaboration, Cultural Diplomacy, Post-2030 Cultural Agenda

Delegates Experience the Living Heritage of Kashi

Following the official deliberations, the delegates were treated to an immersive cultural programme showcasing the rich civilizational heritage of Varanasi. The representatives witnessed the iconic Ganga Aarti, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and attended a spectacular Light and Sound Show.

The immersive experience served as a fitting finale to the event, reaffirming the shared commitment of BRICS nations to deepening people-to-people ties and cultural harmony.

courtesy pib