India to host second BRICS Culture Working Group meeting in Varanasi

India will host the second meeting of the BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) in the city of Varanasi on 4–5 June as part of its BRICS Chairship in 2026, bringing together representatives from member states to advance cooperation in culture, heritage and sustainable development, reports Prasar Bharati, a TV BRICS partner.

The meeting is expected to serve as a key platform for dialogue among BRICS countries under India’s Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

According to India’s Ministry of Culture, discussions will focus on three major topics: the development of the creative economy and the growing role of artificial intelligence in cultural and creative sectors; the protection of cultural heritage and the restitution of cultural property; and the contribution of culture to climate action and sustainable development.

Officials said the agenda reflects the shared commitment of BRICS nations to foster innovation while ensuring the responsible use of emerging technologies, safeguarding cultural diversity and reinforcing international efforts to preserve heritage for future generations.

The meeting forms part of a broader programme of cultural engagement led by India during its BRICS Chairship. The country has previously hosted ministerial-level BRICS cultural meetings and has played an active role in strengthening cultural ties among member states.

Established under the 2015 Agreement between the Governments of the BRICS States on Cooperation in the Field of Culture promotes collaboration in areas including cultural heritage, museums, archives, film, creative industries and digital cultural ecosystems.

The Varanasi gathering follows the first Culture Working Group meeting, held virtually earlier this year. A third meeting is scheduled to take place in Bhopal in August, ahead of a series of cultural events, including the BRICS Cultural Festival, the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting and a BRICS Theatre Festival later this year.