G20 Culture Ministers Unanimously Approve Rome Declaration

The G20 Culture ministers unanimously approved the 32-point Rome Declaration on July 30, 2021, in Rome. Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini announced the document, which introduces culture into G20 work for the first time. The declaration includes five founding principles: culture and creative sectors as drivers for regeneration and sustainable growth; protection of cultural heritage; addressing climate change through culture; building capacity through training and education; and digital transition and new technologies for culture. It calls for integrating culture into sustainable development policies and achieving UN 2030 Agenda goals. Prime Minister Mario Draghi spoke at the Colosseo inauguration, emphasizing culture's role in Italy's recovery and joking that the entire country should be a UNESCO site. The declaration urges governments to ensure cultural workers have access to employment, social protection, and innovation. On climate change, it recognizes culture's potential in solutions and invites Paris Agreement parties to include culture in adaptation communications. On digitalization, it encourages cooperation on new technologies like AI and earth observation systems for heritage protection. The Fondazione Scuola dei beni e delle attività culturali, led by Vincenzo Trione, proposed an international G20 network for cultural heritage training. Participating international organizations included UNESCO, ICCROM, ICOM, ICOMOS, INTERPOL, OECD, UfM, UNODC, and WCO.