On May 28^th and 29^th, 2024, the 1st face-to-face meeting of the G20 Culture Working Group was held in Brasília (DF). In this stage, crucial themes for the future of global culture were highlighted. With the motto “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”, Brazil, for the first time in the presidency of the G20, promoted in-depth discussions on the impact of culture on sustainable and inclusive development.

The minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, emphasized the urgency of addressing the challenges brought by climate change to the cultural sector. "It is urgent to debate and to find solutions to the challenges that climate change has brought to the cultural field," said the minister, stressing the need for joint and immediate actions to preserve cultural heritage in the face of environmental transformations.

The debates covered the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of initiatives that ensure the continuity and safeguarding of these assets taking into account the impact of climate change.

In addition, the impact of artificial intelligence on cultural production and the regulation of streaming platforms were central topics in the discussions. The G20 Working Group discussed how technology can both benefit and challenge the cultural sector, calling for balanced regulation that protects copyright and promotes cultural diversity.

The creative economy and its role in the world of work were also discussed, highlighting the importance of fostering an environment that supports workers in the cultural sector and promotes sustainable development.

This meeting in Brasilia marks the fourth year of Culture meetings at the G20, a cycle started by Italy in 2021, followed by Indonesia and India. The Brazilian presidency of the G20, which began on December 1^st, 2023 and runs until November 30^th, 2024, reinforces the country's commitment to promoting culture as a vector of sustainable development and social inclusion.

The discussions and resolutions of the Brasilia meeting are a significant step towards ensuring that culture continues to be a transformative force in building a fairer world and a sustainable planet, aligning with the motto of the Brazilian mandate at the G20.

Representatives of 21 delegations of G20 members, six representatives of invited countries and five international organizations participated.

Parallel program discussed Cultural Heritage and Climate Actions

During the event, students engaged in a press conference with Minister Margareth Menezes and Leandro Grass, president of National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage

On May 27^th, 2024, the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan) in partnership with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held the parallel event to the G20 agenda in Brazil, the International Seminar on Cultural Heritage and Climate Actions.

The debate between international authorities and experts, public managers and holders of Brazilian cultural assets discussed topics such as international cooperation, risk management and adaptation to the effects of climate change, renewable energy sources, holders of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.

Minister Margareth Menezes advocated for the importance of fighting for a better future, emphasizing cultural diversity as one of Brazil's greatest riches. "Our heritage is our greatest wealth, it is the result of our diversity. All the countries present here are willing to fight for a better future," he said.

Leandro Grass, president of Iphan, highlighted the importance of the G20, as well as public policies to face climate change and preserve the cultural heritage of nations. "The G20 will undoubtedly be an opportunity for technical deepening, knowledge production, and also cooperation and sharing of good practices. Brazil has a lot to offer in this discussion. Climate change needs to be properly tackled with public policies and concrete actions in favor of life and sustainability."

Also during the event, students from a local elementary school had the opportunity to act as reporters for a day. This experience is part of the Kids 20 project, which covers events related to the G20 from the perspective of public school students in Brasília, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.