Africa’s participation in the G20 Ministers of Culture meeting, led by Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, is a major step forward in the continent’s cultural diplomacy.
The event, which held at the Salvador Convention Centre in Brazil, saw Musawa represent the African Union, where she advocated for the role of Africa’s cultural heritage in advancing economic growth, social cohesion, and global understanding.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that, Musawa also served as the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports within the African Union.
She quoted Musawa to have expressed gratitude for Africa’s inclusion in the discussions and highlighted the continent’s cultural diversity as a source of strength.
The minister reiterated the urgent need for Africa to capitalize on its cultural resources to drive sustainable development and unity within the continent and globally.
“Africa’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets. We must use it as a tool to propel development, foster unity, and create shared growth opportunities,” said Musawa.
“Our inclusion in the G20 dialogues ensures that the priorities of our people are heard, and the global conversation better reflects the needs of Africa.”
The Minister praised the historic nature of the African Union’s involvement in the meeting, which provided a platform for critical conversations around culture’s role in shaping Africa’s future.
Musawa underscored the importance of the G20’s Ministerial Declaration, which calls for increased cooperation, greater support for African culture, and more opportunities for Africa to achieve its goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
Musawa also highlighted the importance of cultural rights, diversity, and dialogue as essential for building resilient, inclusive, and innovative societies.
She emphasized that culture should be viewed as a driver of development and social cohesion, a theme that resonated throughout the discussions.
She extended her thanks to Brazil for its exceptional leadership as G20 President and expressed confidence in South Africa’s upcoming presidency. “We appreciate Brazil’s leadership and efforts to elevate culture within the global agenda. As we look to South Africa’s presidency, we are eager to ensure that Africa’s cultural priorities remain at the forefront,” Musawa said.
Throughout the meeting, Musawa engaged with counterparts from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Angola, South Africa, Korea, China, and France, focusing on key issues within her ministry’s strategic framework.
One notable outcome the statement said was her bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Culture, where discussions centered around the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Cultural House in Salvador as part of the Nigeria Destination 2030 initiative, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and enhancing the country’s cultural diplomacy.
The meeting also highlighted the need for increased investment in Africa’s cultural and creative industries.
The African Union emphasized its strategic vision for inclusive and sustainable development and highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Africa’s global position.
In closing, Musawa reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to continued collaboration with the G20 and a stronger emphasis on cultural priorities, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard and its interests are advanced on the global stage.