Opinion Why culture was recognised as a goal for the first time under India’s G20 presidency

In the contemporary context, culture has proven critical to ensuring rights-based and inclusive sustainable development models, encompassing the diversity of societies and supporting the localisation of the SDGs. It serves as a conduit for intergenerational communication and learning, reinforcing social norms and values.

Culture also permeates a wide array of public policies, serving both as a catalyst and a facilitator for multiple developmental objectives. Its cross-cutting nature resonates with the foundational principles of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Agenda advocates for an integrated, networked approach to sustainable development, encompassing 17 SDGs and 169 targets. It conceptualises sustainable development as a complex interplay of interconnected factors, underscoring the intricate interdependencies and synergies among various public policy sectors.

Despite the absence of a specific SDG dedicated to culture, it plays a pivotal role in achieving all 17 SDGs. The influence of culture spans from poverty reduction (SDG 1) and quality education (SDG 4) to employment (SDG 8), social justice (SDG 10), and environmental preservation (SDG 13), with its significance explicitly recognised in numerous targets. The contribution of culture to sustainable development, therefore, extends beyond a mere sectoral role. It is integrative and transcends the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainable development.

Recognising culture as a standalone goal within the post-2030 development agenda is essential due to its transformative impact on society. This standalone goal would galvanise global action, nurture creativity and intercultural dialogue, empower marginalised communities, and safeguard vulnerable heritage. By weaving cultural considerations into the core fabric of development, we unlock its transformative potential, ensuring a more equitable, just, and sustainable world for generations to come.

As the international community begins to reflect on the challenges and terms of reference for a post-2030 Agenda, it is timely to consider how culture could take its proper place in future commitments, goals, and targets. Establishing culture as a standalone goal in the post-2030 Agenda would address the current gap and ensure a holistic approach to sustainable development.

India’s support for culture on the global stage is grounded in its rich heritage and demonstrated commitment to holistic sustainability. Our nation’s ancient wisdom and cultural practices are not relics of the past but living resources that offer innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Sustainability, in its broadest sense, has always been a core tenet of Indian society, enabling us to navigate and prosper amidst centuries of socio-economic complexities. The cultural ethos of India is characterised by mutual co-existence, peace, and interdependence, providing us with a comprehensive approach to addressing modern challenges.

India has been able to leverage this heritage to develop innovative solutions by adapting traditional wisdom to modern needs. We are known to make sustainable choices, which makes India one of the least wasteful economies. Old worn-out clothes in Indian households are first handed down and then often used as a duster rather than being disposed of. Similarly, old newspapers, books and other waste materials have been recycled for generations through scrap vendors. We have a culture of attributing value to all resources and frugality has been a way of life. The concept of a circular economy, therefore, has been embedded in our lifestyle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) during the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in 2021 is a testament to India’s commitment to global sustainability. LiFE emphasises the importance of adopting an eco-conscious lifestyle and invites the international community to join in a collective effort to move towards mindful and responsible resource utilisation.

The unanimous endorsement of culture as a standalone goal by the G20 under India’s leadership holds profound significance for the international community. By this elevation, we can collectively reaffirm the critical importance of culture in fostering inclusive, resilient, and interconnected societies. This paradigm shift in global development thinking is not just timely but essential for the well-being of current and future generations. As we look towards a post-2030 world, embracing culture as a core component of the global development agenda is not just a strategic choice — it is an essential step towards a brighter, more harmonious future for all nations and peoples.

Mohan is secretary and Pandeya is joint secretary, Union Ministry of Culture