"It is time for us all to meet today and encourage collective action for the recovery of the culture sector,” Makarim told delegates during the 1st Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of G20 Culture on Friday.
"I want to emphasize that we are not here to look for short-term solutions, but long-term solutions that turn culture as the driver of sustainable development," he added.
Culture is part of Indonesians' DNA and the leadership of Makarim's ministry of G20 Culture is an opportunity to prove that Indonesia is a cultural powerhouse, he remarked.
It is also an opportunity to show that Indonesia, as the G20 President, is capable of inviting the world to work together to realize a cultural recovery, he added.
The meeting is expected to produce concrete results.
Moreover, it has been said that a variety of solutions for recovery can be gleaned from cultural traditions and expressions that have been inherited for generations.
These cultural artifacts have proven to be successful in preserving harmony between humans and nature, as well as humans and other humans.
"We have a local food system that respects the dignity of living beings, sustainable fashion practices that support natural materials utilization, and knowledge and technology that supports eco-friendly lifestyles," Makarim said.
"That is what we can offer to the world," he added.
The senior officials’ meeting will discuss several challenges and potentials related to the sustainable global recovery agenda, which aligns with the theme of ‘Culture for Sustainable Living.’
"Later, if we agree to it, we will officially unveil the Global Arts and Culture Recovery Fund proposed by the ministry leadership during Indonesia’s G20 Presidency," he informed.
"Only through global collaboration can we recover together and revive from these challenging times," he added.
With support from G20 member nations, special invite nations, and UNESCO, the Global Arts and Culture Recovery Fund can support the recovery of the cultural economic sector, especially in developing nations.
The eve of the G20 Culture Ministers Meeting will be held at the Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java, on September 12 and 13, 2022.
Related news: SOM G20 meeting will discuss five cultural agendas: Ministry
Related news: G20: Minister to announce priority agendas for education soon
Translator: Indriani, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
