Inaugural Session of the G20 Culture Ministers' Meeting in Varanasi

The Culture Ministers' Meeting under India's G20 Presidency culminated in Varanasi, the world's oldest living city and a symbol of India's rich heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video address, highlighted culture's unifying power, India's preservation efforts including artifact restitution, initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana for artisans, and technology's role in heritage promotion. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy welcomed delegates, recapping progress from prior G20 declarations and launching a report on best practices from global webinars. The event seeks to forge a G20 action plan emphasizing culture, creativity, commerce, and collaboration for sustainable development and inclusive global growth.