Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, November 9, 2024 – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s continued dedication to advancing global cultural collaboration and sustainable development was prominently showcased at the 5th G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting, held this week in Salvador, Brazil. Deputy Minister of Culture for International Cultural Relations, Eng. Fahad Abdulrahman Alkanaan, delivered the Kingdom’s official statement on behalf of Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture, emphasizing the importance of culture as a pillar of sustainable global growth.
The meeting, organized under the theme "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet," provided Saudi Arabia with an opportunity to reaffirm its central role in the G20 Culture Track, a platform the Kingdom helped establish. Eng. Alkanaan’s address underscored Saudi Arabia’s deep commitment to advancing the global cultural agenda, focusing on the integration of culture within sustainable development, social inclusion, and economic resilience efforts.
In his remarks, Prince Bader expressed deep gratitude to the Brazilian presidency, particularly Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes, for their tireless support in advancing the cultural agenda within the G20 framework. Prince Bader’s speech also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s pioneering role in the creation of the G20 Culture Ministers' track. “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,’” he stated. “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 was a transformative milestone for the group, elevating culture to the forefront of international dialogue about global economic growth. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in launching the track marked a historic shift, recognizing culture not only as an integral part of heritage but also as a powerful driver of economic and social development. Since its inception, the G20 Culture agenda has grown, with each successive presidency—Italy, Indonesia, India, and now Brazil—building upon Saudi Arabia’s legacy. This year, the scope and impact of the cultural agenda have expanded, demonstrating the increasing recognition of culture’s role in fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable world.
Aligned with this year’s G20 theme, which focuses on fostering social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, Saudi Arabia reiterated its commitment to promoting cultural diversity and the role of culture in driving the creative economy. Eng. Alkanaan also emphasized the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of protecting heritage sites globally.
In support of these objectives, Saudi Arabia has launched several significant initiatives. One of the Kingdom’s most notable contributions to the global preservation effort is the establishment of a world-class center dedicated to the restoration and protection of underwater cultural heritage in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding both its own cultural heritage and that of the broader international community. The Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, rich in historical significance, are home to numerous ancient shipwrecks, submerged cities, and artifacts that offer invaluable insights into the region’s history. The Kingdom’s leadership in this area further demonstrates its dedication to ensuring the protection of heritage for future generations.
Saudi Arabia also continues to prioritize the role of digital technologies in preserving cultural heritage. With advancements in digital documentation, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, the Kingdom is leveraging cutting-edge tools to promote accessibility to cultural assets, while ensuring their protection for the long term. These technological innovations complement the Kingdom’s broader vision for a creative economy, where cultural industries are seen as central drivers of innovation, economic growth, and employment opportunities.
In his address, Prince Bader emphasized that Saudi Arabia views culture not only as an asset but as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development. “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,” he stated. Prince Bader’s words reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to ensuring that culture remains a central component of the global agenda as the world strives for greater prosperity and inclusivity.
Looking to the future, Saudi Arabia expressed its eagerness to continue supporting the G20 Culture Track under the Presidency of South Africa in 2025. The Kingdom remains dedicated to reinforcing the role of culture as a bridge between nations, fostering a shared vision for prosperity, and creating inclusive, sustainable futures. By continuing this dialogue and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is determined to play a leading role in ensuring that culture remains a transformative force for good across the globe.
This year’s G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil provided a significant platform for Saudi Arabia to reaffirm its leadership in shaping the future of global cultural dialogue. As the world continues to confront unprecedented challenges, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural collaboration, heritage preservation, and sustainable development will remain essential to its vision of fostering a just and sustainable world for all.
