Remarks by Ms Angela Martins, Director for Social Development, Culture and Sports, Head of Culture Division, African Union Commission
Programme Director, Ms. Zimasa Velaphi,
Dr. Cynthia Khumalo, South Africa’s G20 CWG Chairperson and Director-General of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture,
Dear Mr. Bruno H.R. Melo, Head of International Relations at the Ministry of Culture of Brazil and Troika Member,
Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Distinguished Delegates, Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a profound honor for me on belhaf of the AUC to address this 4th G20 Culture Working Group meeting here in KwaDukuza, South Africa. I would like to warmly acknowledge the presence of Honourable Minister Gayton McKenzie of South Africa, our G20 colleagues, distinguished representatives of Member States, heads of cultural institutions, and all participants who have traveled far to join us for this important dialogue and engagement. Your presence is a testament to our shared commitment to arts, culture and heritage as a driver of development, creativity, and unity.
On behalf of the African Union Commission, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of South Africa. Your generosity, hospitality, and meticulous planning have shown your strong commitment to this important sector. South Africa is showing the world that Africa is not only capable of hosting high-level international meetings, but that we can do so with excellence, warmth, and a spirit of collaboration. This fills us reinforces our belief that Africa’s voice and vision are central to the global cultural discourse.
Allow me to reflect on the Priorities set out by the South African Presidency for the G20 Culture Working and the work that the continent is doing to support the translation of these four (4) priorities into action.
Priority 1: Safeguarding and Restitution of Cultural Heritage
Restitution is more than returning objects; it is the restoration of memory, dignity, and identity. Africa has achieved significant milestones in this area, including the recent repatriation of Khoi and San ancestral remains from Scotland and the return of King Toera’s remains to Madagascar. These examples show that with frank dialogue, commitment, and clear policies Africa can reclaim its history and honor its ancestors and promote Africa`s rich heritage;
Through the AU Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries (AU-POA), the Common African Position on Heritage Restitution, the AU Model Law, and the Great Museum of Africa, we provide frameworks to negotiate, seek justice, and collaborate ethically with international partners. South Africa’s G20 priority on heritage protection aligns perfectly with this vision. Together, we are showing the world that Africa’s cultural legacy is not just a treasure of the past, but a foundation for our future. It is in this context that the AU declared 2025 as the year of reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent which has now been transformed into a decade .
Priority 2: Integrating Culture into Sustainable Development
Africa’s creative industries from film, music, fashion, and design, to digital arts are among the fastest-growing sectors of our economies. Through initiatives like the AU Paln of Action on Cultural and Creative industires (AU-POA) the Creative Africa Nexus (CANNEX), we are fostering partnerships, expanding markets, and ensuring fair remuneration for our creators.
We call upon our G20 partners to support inclusive financing frameworks for cultural and creative industries, integrate culture into national development strategies, and empower women and youth to fully participate in global value chains. South Africa’s focus on creative industries resonates with our vision, demonstrating that culture is not only our identity, it is a driver of innovation, employment, and sustainable growth.
Priority 3: Digital Technologies and Culture
Technology offers a unique opportunity to showcase Africa’s culture to the world. Through the AU AI & Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2030, we are developing digital infrastructure, training, and innovation hubs that allow African creators to protect, share, and monetize their work globally.
South Africa’s emphasis on technology-driven cultural ecosystems complements this vision. By combining digital tools with cultural heritage, we can bridge divides, empower our youth, and ensure that Africa’s rich cultural tapestry reaches every corner of the globe.
Priority 4: Culture, Climate, and Environmental Resilience
Culture is also critical in addressing the challenges of climate change. Through platforms like the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action (GFCBCA), which the African Union actively supports, we promote culture-based climate action, integrating heritage, traditional knowledge, and creative expression into strategies for environmental resilience.
We urge the G20 members to invest in climate-smart cultural infrastructure and support communities whose heritage is at risk. South Africa’s priority on disaster resilience and culture aligns with Africa’s vision that culture is not only our identity but also a tool for adaptation, resilience, and hope.
As Africa and the world confront the defining challenges of our century — climate change, digital transformation, and the pursuit of inclusive growth — the African World Heritage Fund ( Established by AU and UNESCO) stands as a strategic platform for partnership, innovation, and global solidarity. It amplifies Africa’s voice in international heritage governance and fosters cooperation among governments, civil society, and the private sector to integrate culture into climate action, digital strategies, and national development policies. By advancing digital heritage systems, supporting restitution and policy coordination, and promoting evidence-based decision-making, it is demonstrated that heritage is not a static inheritance, but a renewable resource for progress and dignity.
In conclusion,
Africa is proud to partner with South Africa and the G20 members to advance culture as a cornerstone of development, unity, and innovation. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment demonstrated by South Africa, and we are inspired by the dedication of all G20 Members here present.
As we finalize the negociations of the Draft Kwadukuza Ministerial Declaration , we expect that once endorsed it becomes a strong tool to promote and profile the development of the arts, culture and heritage sector on the African continent and in the world .
Thank you very much.
