SALVADOR — Saudi Arabia's commitment to cultural collaboration and sustainable development was highlighted at the 5th G20 Culture Ministers' Meeting. The ministerial meeting, held in Salvador, Brazil, under the theme "Building a just world and a sustainable planet," provided Saudi Arabia an opportunity to reaffirm its dedication to advancing the global cultural agenda. Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah, in his speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations Eng. Fahad Alkanaan, highlighted Saudi Arabia's emphasis on preserving and protecting heritage sites worldwide. "To support this mission, the Kingdom has launched several initiatives, including 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, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage locally and internationally. Through these continued efforts, Saudi Arabia remains dedicated to the priorities of the G20 Culture Track, viewing culture as a vital contributor to sustainable growth," Prince Badr remarked while pointing out that Saudi Arabia is 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. Prince Badr noted that 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," he said. The G20 Culture Track was introduced in 2020 under Saudi Arabia's Presidency, marking a transformative milestone in recognizing culture's role in influencing economic growth, making it an essential part of the G20 agenda. Since then, Saudi Arabia has established a strong legacy within the G20 framework, and successive presidencies—Italy, Indonesia, India, and now Brazil—have expanded upon this foundation, broadening the cultural agenda's scope and impact. Aligning with this year's G20 theme to foster social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, Saudi Arabia reiterated its dedication to promoting cultural diversity, leveraging digital advancements, fostering a creative economy, and preserving cultural heritage. Saudi Arabia looks forward to continuing this cultural dialogue under South Africa's G20 Presidency in 2025. The Kingdom remains committed to supporting the G20 Culture Track and reinforcing the role of culture as a bridge between nations, fostering a shared vision for prosperity and inclusivity, it was pointed out in Prince Badr's speech. In his address, Alkanaan expressed gratitude to the Brazilian Presidency, specifically acknowledging Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes, for their dedication to supporting the cultural track within the G20 framework.
