Saudi Arabia’s dedication to cultural collaboration and sustainable development was showcased at the 5th G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Salvador, Brazil. The Saudi Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah, highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving and protecting heritage sites worldwide. One of the key initiatives mentioned was the establishment of a world-class center dedicated to the restoration and protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. This initiative demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage both locally and internationally.
During the meeting, Prince Badr emphasized the importance of culture as a vital contributor to sustainable growth. He expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts among G20 members in elevating culture as a force for sustainable development, inspiring future generations to create a better world. Saudi Arabia’s participation in the G20 Culture Track began in 2020 during the Saudi Presidency, where the theme was ‘The Rise of the cultural economy: A new paradigm.’ This initiative marked a transformative milestone in recognizing culture’s role in influencing economic growth, making it an essential part of the G20 agenda.
Since its introduction in 2020, the G20 Culture Track has become an integral part of the G20 framework, with successive presidencies expanding upon this foundation. The current theme of fostering social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience aligns with Saudi Arabia’s dedication to promoting cultural diversity, leveraging digital advancements, fostering a creative economy, and preserving cultural heritage. The Kingdom looks forward to continuing this cultural dialogue under South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025, supporting the G20 Culture Track and reinforcing the role of culture as a bridge between nations for prosperity and inclusivity.
In his address at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations Eng. Fahad Alkanaan expressed gratitude to the Brazilian Presidency for their dedication to supporting the cultural track within the G20 framework. He specifically acknowledged Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes for her contributions to the cultural dialogue. Saudi Arabia remains committed to advancing the global cultural agenda and promoting sustainable development through collaboration among G20 members. The Kingdom’s initiatives in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a creative economy reflect its dedication to building a just world and a sustainable planet.
Overall, Saudi Arabia’s participation in the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting highlighted its commitment to cultural collaboration and sustainable development on a global scale. The initiatives and efforts outlined by Prince Badr bin Abdullah and Eng. Fahad Alkanaan demonstrate the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage, promoting cultural diversity, and leveraging digital advancements for economic growth. As Saudi Arabia continues to support the G20 Culture Track and engage in cultural dialogue with other nations, it reinforces the role of culture as a vital force for sustainable development and prosperity.
