Park Yang-woo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of the Republic of Korea participated in the G20 Meeting of Culture Ministers held online on 4 (Wed) November. He presented policy measures which have been implemented to facilitate innovative and sustainable growth of the cultural sector in Korea amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Meeting of Culture Ministers was convened for the first time since the inauguration of the G20 meeting in 2008. The Meeting was attended by the Culture Ministers and high-level officials of the G20 countries, guest countries and international organizations including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The participants shared their views on strengthening international solidarity towards protection of cultural heritage, and cultural growth and innovation: digitization, sustainability and economic development under the theme of ‘The Rise of the Cultural Economy: A New Paradigm’.

Minister Park began his remarks by stressing the significance of the meeting, as it served as a platform for participants to share the diverse experiences and policies of different countries in coping with the impact of global crisis. He highly appreciated that a discussion on culture was initiated at the event of the G20 Meeting. Furthermore, he presented various policy measures implemented by the Korean Government to adjust to the new normal, and turn the current crisis into an opportunity of innovation and growth. The policy examples included funding digital transition of cultural and creative contents, converging culture with relevant industries (service, manufacturing) and expanding cultural contents market using innovative technologies, and bridging the digital gap and increasing opportunities to enjoy culture.

Minister Park stated that culture is an output of creative works based on human creativity, as well as the driving force behind value creation. Culture plays a key part in economic development through its creative innovation. He conveyed his sincere wish for the G20 Meeting of Culture Ministers to be held regularly to promote international cooperation in the cultural sector, and to contribute to building resilience against crises like COVID-19 through culture.