Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment To Cultural Collaboration At G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting In Brazil

Saudi Arabia's dedication to cultural cooperation and sustainable growth was showcased at the 5th G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting. Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations, Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan, represented the Kingdom, delivering a speech on behalf of Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The event took place in Salvador, Brazil, under the theme "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet," allowing Saudi Arabia to reaffirm its commitment to advancing global cultural initiatives.

In his address, Deputy Minister Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan expressed appreciation to Brazil's leadership, particularly acknowledging Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes for their support within the G20 framework. Prince Bader noted, "Saudi Arabia is honored to have initiated the first-ever G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting in 2020 during the Saudi Presidency, themed ‘The Rise of the Cultural Economy: A New Paradigm.’ This initiative underscores our belief in culture as a global public good, connecting our past, enriching our present, and shaping our future."

The introduction of the G20 Culture Track in 2020 under Saudi Arabia’s Presidency marked a significant milestone. It recognized culture's role in economic growth and made it an integral part of the G20 agenda. Since then, Saudi Arabia has built a strong legacy within this framework. Successive presidencies—Italy, Indonesia, India, and now Brazil—have expanded upon this foundation.

Saudi Arabia emphasized its commitment to preserving heritage sites globally. To support this mission, the Kingdom has launched several initiatives. These include establishing a world-class center dedicated to restoring and protecting underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. This demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage both locally and internationally.

Aligning with this year’s G20 theme of fostering social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity. The Kingdom aims to leverage digital advancements and foster a creative economy while preserving cultural heritage.

Prince Bader remarked on the collaborative efforts among G20 members: "We are confident that the collaborative efforts among G20 members will continue to elevate culture as a vital force for sustainable development, inspiring future generations to build a better world." Saudi Arabia looks forward to continuing this dialogue under South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025.

Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting the G20 Culture Track and reinforcing culture's role as a bridge between nations. The Kingdom fosters a shared vision for prosperity and inclusivity through these efforts.

With inputs from SPA