SA’s G20 presidency can help fast-track return of Africa’s cultural goods, artefacts, human remains

SOUTH Africa has placed cultural heritage, social and economic strategies, digital technology, and climate action firmly on the agenda of a series of meetings leading up to the G20 summit next month.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

At the fourth G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) Ministerial Session in Zimbali in Kwa-Zulu Natal yesterday, the group's chairperson Lisa Combrinck said significant progress has been achieved in the meetings.

Combrinck reflected on the four key priorities: safeguarding and restitution of cultural heritage to protect human rights; integrating cultural policies into socioeconomic strategies for inclusive, rights-based development; harnessing digital technologies for the protection and promotion of culture and sustainable economies; and exploring the intersection of culture and climate change in shaping global responses.

Regarding the first priority on cultural heritage, Combrinck said there has been discussion around cultural restitution.

"African countries and the AU (African Union) in particular are championing those kinds of issues, the return of cultural goods, artefacts, and of human remains. That has really come to the fore in the discussions," Combrinck said.