The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) convened the first G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) from 20 to 21 February 2025. The meeting took place virtually and was chaired by Ms Lisa Combrink, Acting Director-General at the DSAC.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, MP, who emphasised that dedicating a G20 Working Group to Culture underscores the pivotal role of culture in achieving the Development Goals outlined in Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Minister McKenzie further welcomed the opportunity to continue discussions with G20 members, international organisations, knowledge partners, and invited guests on how to harness the potential of culture as a catalyst for economic growth, social cohesion, and poverty alleviation.
The meeting served as a platform for South Africa to present and receive feedback from G20 members, invited guest countries, international organisations, and knowledge partners on the priorities of the CWG during South Africa’s Presidency of the G20. These priorities are as follows:
- Priority 1: Safeguarding and Restitution of Cultural Heritage to protect Human Rights
- Priority 2: Integrating Cultural Policies in socio-economic strategies to ensure an Inclusive, Rights-based Development
- Priority 3: Harnessing Digital Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of Culture and Sustainable Economies
- Priority 4: The Intersection of Culture and Climate Change: Shaping Global Responses
South Africa’s proposed priorities and deliverables received broad support from G20 members, international organisations, knowledge partners, and invited guest countries.
The closing remarks by Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Bertha Peace Mabe, MP, emphasized the critical interconnection between technology, culture, and economic development. She commended the valuable contributions made by delegates, particularly the emphasis on using digital innovation to protect cultural diversity, ensure inclusivity, and promote sustainable growth within the creative sector. Deputy Minister Mabe also highlighted the need for adaptive, inclusive, and responsive policies to navigate the rapid changes of the digital era. She reaffirmed the global vision of a future where creativity fosters sustainable development and cultural richness is preserved for generations to come.
This was the first of the planned meetings, both in-person and virtual, scheduled to take place throughout the year across the country. The second meeting of the G20 CWG will take place in person from 5 to 6 May 2025 in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The outcomes of these technical working group meetings will inform the discussions at the G20 Culture Ministers’ meeting and the Working Group declaration in October 2025.
