India Advocates for Culture as Standalone SDG at BRICS Meeting in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, Russia:
At the 9th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting held in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Arunish Chawla, underscored the crucial role of culture in global development strategies. Chawla emphasized the need to recognize culture as a standalone Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), advocating for its use as a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and mutual understanding.
In his statement, Chawla reiterated India’s commitment to leveraging the power of culture for sustainable development and global cooperation, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of integrating culture, creativity, commerce, and collaboration to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
Continuing the stance taken during India’s G20 presidency in 2023, India pushed for culture to be recognized as a distinct goal in the post-2030 global development framework. This highlights its transformative potential in driving economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development, consistent with India’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage while fostering innovation and creativity.
India also emphasized the significance of creative industries, innovation, and job creation, urging BRICS nations to utilize their collective cultural strengths to boost economic and social development. Key areas such as people-to-people exchanges, grassroots cultural diplomacy, and education were also highlighted as essential components of India’s cultural cooperation agenda.
The Indian delegation to the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting and the International United Cultures Forum was led by Secretary Arunish Chawla and included Joint Secretary Lily Pandeya, Director Yashveer Singh, and Deputy Secretary Shah Faesal from the Ministry of Culture.
By prioritizing culture, India aims to enhance BRICS nations’ collective response to global challenges, foster mutual understanding and respect, and contribute to a more inclusive and culturally resonant global community. This approach aligns with the BRICS spirit of cooperation and mutual support, positioning India’s cultural diplomacy as a key player in shaping the grouping’s cultural agenda in the future.
