Meeting held on August 26 in Varanasi, India, and adopted the Chairman’s Summary

Emphasis on international cooperation to uphold the universal values of freedom and solidarity through cultural exchange

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister PARK Bo Gyoon, MCST) introduced Korea’s cultural policy direction at the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting on August 26 (Sat). The Ministry emphasized international collaboration to practice universal values such as freedom and solidarity through cultural exchanges. Also, they sought support from member countries for the bid to host the “World EXPO 2030 Busan.” The meeting was held at the Taj Ganges Varanasi Hotel in Varanasi, India.

During the meeting, the MCST showcased exemplary initiatives from South Korea’s cultural policies, such as training content professionals, significant financial policy support, enhanced copyright protection for creators, and a preferential purchasing system for artistic productions by disabled artists. They also stressed the importance of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and trust among countries. The Korean government pledged to share and embody universal values such as freedom and solidarity through culture with the global community.

The G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting highlighted diversity, sustainability, inclusivity and cultural relevance. Topics discussed included “protection and restitution of cultural property,” “harnessing living heritage for a sustainable future,” “promotion of cultural and creative industries and creative economy,” and “leveraging digital technology for the promotion and protection of culture.” The discussions were compiled and adopted into a Chair’s Summary, under the hosting country India’s presidency.

Discussion with India’s Secretary of the Ministry of Culture on Expanding Cultural Cooperation

The MCST’s Culture and Arts Policy Deputy Minister YU Byungchae participated in the G20 and met with Govind Mohan, India’s Secretary of the Ministry of Culture. They discussed various initiatives to enhance bilateral cultural cooperation, including commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, establishing a content business center in India, and the inclusion of heritage sites in UNESCO.   

Deputy Minister YU commented, “The solid positioning of culture within the G20 framework is a testament to the universal acknowledgment that culture contributes to economic growth and strengthens shared values and solidarity among countries.” He added, “MCST plans to continually bolster collaboration based on K-culture with the global community and world citizens. Especially this year, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with India, we aim to expand cultural events and will launch a content business center in New Delhi in the latter half of the year to widen the horizon of our bilateral exchange.”