BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting in Varanasi
India is set to host the second BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting in the historic temple town of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on June 4-5. The meeting will bring together delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss key cultural issues, including the impact of artificial intelligence and climate change on cultural heritage sites, as well as the repatriation of stolen cultural properties.
Culture Secretary Vivek Aggarwal chaired a press conference on June 1 to announce the agenda. He emphasized that the meeting aligns with India's BRICS 2026 theme: 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.'
Key Discussion Points
The agenda includes structured multilateral dialogue on cultural cooperation. Topics range from the positive and negative effects of AI on culture to climate change's impact on heritage. Repatriation of stolen cultural properties will be a major focus, with Aggarwal highlighting the BRICS platform's crucial role in returning artifacts to their countries of origin.
Other discussions will cover the creative economy, copyright issues, cultural heritage protection, collaborative approaches to safeguarding shared heritage, and culture as a driver of sustainable development.
India's Initiatives
Aggarwal noted that India is in touch with various countries for the successful repatriation of cultural properties. Under Project Mausam, the government is documenting the international connections of tangible heritage and filing joint nominations with UNESCO. Similarly, Project Brihattar Bharat focuses on intangible heritage, such as customs, festivals, and Buddhism, exploring global collaborations.
India is also working with South Africa on Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha movement, which resonated in both countries. The two nations are considering multinational nominations for a shared heritage tag at the United Nations.
Culture and Sustainability
Aggarwal pointed out that Indian festivals like Chhath worship nature, rivers, and the sun, showcasing how customs can prevent climate change. At the BRICS forum, India will propose adopting such practices on a global scale.
IGNCA Member Secretary Sachchidanand Joshi added that ethical use of AI and protection of artists' intellectual property are crucial topics for the meeting.
