Minister Hwang Hee Attends the first G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting to stress concerted efforts for digital transition in culture in order to recover from the COVID‐related crisis and establish inclusive society

The Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism HWANG Hee attended the first‐ever G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting which was held in Rome, Italy from July 29th to 30th.

G20 discussed the five agendas for the meeting: Protection of Cultural Heritage, Addressing the Climate Crisis through Culture, Building Capacity through Training and Education, Digital Transition and New Technologies for Culture and Culture and Creative Sectors as drivers for growth, and adopted the G20 Culture Final Declaration.

Minister’s Keynote Speech on the Korea‐led area: Digital Transition and New Technologies for Culture

On the 30th of July, the Minister delivered the keynote speech on Digital Transition and New Technologies for Culture – which is one of the flagship fields of Korea – upon the official request of the Italian presidency.

The Minister said “the social value and role of culture have become important amid the global health crisis,” and “digital technologies are alleviating COVID‐19 fatigue by enabling cooperation and solidarity, which create opportunities for growth while protecting diversity.” He also said that “concerted efforts in digital transition are essential to overcome global inequality and move towards an inclusive society.” The Minister’s remarks have been reflected in the Final Declaration. Also, the Minister introduced Korea’s flagship digital culture policies including Immersive Digital Gallery and the Digital New Deal initiative.

Bilateral Meetings with Russia and UNESCO – the opportunity to increase cultural exchanges

Meanwhile, the Minister had a bilateral meeting with Olga Lyubimova, the Minister of the Russian Ministry of Culture on the 30th of July, and discussed how to strengthen cooperation in cultural areas of the two nations. Minister Hwang said, “in celebration of the Year of Cultural Exchanges between Korea and Russia (2020‐2021), people of the two countries were consoled through contactless exchanges and appreciated each other’s culture.” Minister Lyubimova invited Minister Hwang to Events for the Guest Country of honor to Saint‐Petersburg International Cultural Forum which will be held from 11th to 13th of November 2021.

Minister Hwang had another bilateral meeting with Audrey Azoulay, the Secretary‐General of UNESCO, and shared thoughts on UNESCO World heritage and UNESCO‐ROK cooperation. The Minister expressed his gratitude regarding the adoption of the UNESCO Decision that urges Japan to fully implement Japan’s promise made with regards to the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution at the 44th World Heritage Committee as well as the inscription of Korean Tidal Flats to the World Heritage List. Also, the Minister and the Secretary General agreed on the importance of cooperation between Korea and UNESCO.

Joint Efforts of Korea and Italy to inscribe Hanji as UNESCO Human Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Minister also visited ICPAL (the Central Institute for the Restoration and Conservation of Archival and Library Heritage) and met Mario Turetta, the Director of ICPAL on July 29th, and laid the foundation to work together for the inscription of Hanji to the Human Intangible Cultural Heritage list. During the visit, both countries agreed on the importance of cooperative activities including joint seminars in the procedure of the inscription.

Congratulatory remarks to Lazarus You Heung‐Sik, the first Korean named to head a department of the Roman Curia

On July 31st, the Minister met Lazarus You Heung‐Sik and congratulated him for being appointed the position of Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy by Pope Francis who started his term on August 1st. The Minister requested the Prefect to endeavor for world peace.