Indonesia, together with G20 member states, special invitees, and international organizations convened the third SoM in Borobudur, Magelang.
The ministry succeeded in mobilizing G20 countries’ commitment for recovering the global art and culture sectors, as outlined in the chair’s summary, which will be presented at the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting (CMM) on Tuesday (September 13, 2022).
Director General of Culture at the ministry and the G20 culture ministerial meeting coordinator, Hilmar Farid, lauded all the inputs, contributions, and collaboration of the delegates during the last meeting.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all member countries, special invitees, and international organizations for your attendance and contribution since the first, second, and finally the third Senior Officials Meeting today," Farid said.
"I am grateful for our commitment to maintaining the spirit of solidarity in order to achieve the purpose of this year’s Presidency, that is, to recover together and recover stronger, particularly in the cultural sector," he added.
During the meeting, the Indonesian Ministry succeeded in mobilizing commitment for implementing sustainable living practices as well as exploring the Global Arts and Culture Recovery Fund (GACRF) initiative as a form of support for cultural actors affected by the pandemic.
"G20 member countries will voluntarily explore this funding platform in the hope that it would provide the necessary support to recover the cultural economy sector that has been severely impacted by the pandemic," Hilmar stated.
G20 countries, special invitees, and international organizations also expressed their appreciation and support for the leadership shown during the Indonesian G20 Presidency.
For instance, the German delegate—Head of Division, International Cooperation on Cultural Affairs, Office of the Minister of State for Culture and the Media—Christian Groni praised Indonesia for incorporating the culture sector into this year's G20 presidency.
"I would like to thank the chair once again for taking up the initiative started by Saudi Arabia and Italy to develop a trend of culture at the G20," Christian said.
French delegate—Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Action at the Embassy of France in Jakarta—Stéphane Dovert also expressed his appreciation for the Indonesian G20 Presidency.
"Recover together, recover stronger is a clear and strong ambition. In the context of post-COVID-19, recovery is a challenge to our society. France calls for coordinated action so that culture can play a major role in achieving a more sustainable world, which means a more respectful world with diversity, equality, and access to culture and creative industries for everyone," Dovert remarked.
Meanwhile, Director, Cultural Heritage Center, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State, Eric Catalfamo, invited the community to protect, preserve, and safeguard heritage.
"Our presence here, in Borobudur, reminds us of the power of heritage to bring people together and to inspire us to bring a new collective commitment to safeguard heritage for future generations," he said.
Furthermore, the Indonesian Ministry also committed to raising the aspirations of the public, including cultural practitioners and academics from various sectors, on addressing challenges and strengthening efforts to adapt to sustainable living culture.
Farid expressed the hope that there would be a policy that focuses on promoting the realization of sustainable development for culture, social life, and environment.
"We believe that culture-based policies are the key to creating sustainable development, with tangible benefits not only in the economic field, but also socially and environmentally. With our cooperation, the global arts and culture sector can recover more quickly, and thus, resume its major role in advancing the agenda of sustainable development," he added.
Reporter: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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