This week I will be attending the G20 Culture Minister’s Meeting, in Varanasi, India, on behalf of the Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke.

Australia and India are strong partners, with shared interests in our region and shared challenges ahead.

Australia commends India for its work in steering the Culture Working Group deliberations this year during its G20 Presidency.

Both Australia and India have vibrant, internationally renowned cultural sectors that are major economic drivers for our respective domestic economies.

This gathering of Culture Ministers from around the world is an important opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest.

This meeting will focus on four key areas: the protection and restitution of cultural property; harnessing living heritage for a sustainable future; promotion of cultural and creative industries and creative economy; and leveraging digital technologies for the protection and promotion of culture.

I look forward to the successful outcome of the Ministers’ Meeting and to building on its success when Brazil assumes the Presidency in 2024.