What issues will be discussed at the G7 Culture in Naples

What are the issues that will be discussed at the G7 Cultural Summit scheduled to take place in Naples on September 20 and 21, 2024? The capital of Campania will welcome representatives from the world’s seven most industrialized countries (Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States), as well as international organizations (UNESCO, ICCROM and the African Development Bank) and a number of invited countries (Brazil, India and Greece) to the venue of the Royal Palace to discuss crucial issues for the future of global culture. This second edition of the G7 Culture will put issues that directly affect our time at the center of the debate: the war in Ukraine, artificial intelligence, climate change, the future of Africa, and sustainable development. Issues that not only touch the cultural dimension, but also deeply affect societies politically, economically and environmentally.

Ukraine, artificial intelligence and climate change (Sept. 20)

The first day of the G7 will open with a reflection on one of the most pressing tragedies: the war in Ukraine. The Russian invasion that began in 2022 has involved not only a far-reaching humanitarian and political crisis, but also a direct assault on Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The destruction of museums, theaters, churches, and historical sites has become symbolic of a conflict that affects not only people but also the collective memory of a nation. Culture cannot be considered an asset separate from geopolitical dynamics: on the contrary, it is an essential part of a people’s identity. The destruction of Ukrainian heritage is seen as an attempt to erase the history of an entire nation, which is why the international community must mobilize to preserve what is left and rebuild what has been lost. In this regard, in the past few hours Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli had a telephone conversation with Ukraine’s new culture minister, Mikola Tochytskyi, and invited him to give a speech at the opening of the G7 Culture meeting. Tochytskyi accepted the invitation, taking the opportunity to thank the Italian government for its support of Ukraine. Giuli then confirmed Italy’s commitment to assist Ukraine in the work of protecting and rebuilding its war-damaged historical and artistic heritage.

The second session of the first day will be devoted to a topical issue: artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on culture and creativity. AI, with its innovative potential, is already transforming many industries, and the cultural sector is not exempt from this revolution. However, while AI offers tremendous opportunities, such as the creation of new tools for digital preservation of heritage or production of cultural content, it also poses ethical and practical challenges. These include the issue of intellectual property: who owns the rights to works created or co-created by AI algorithms? How to ensure that the use of AI in the arts does not lead to a loss of authenticity and humanity in cultural production? Another central issue is the risk that artificial intelligence could amplify already existing inequalities. The technology could favor more developed countries, which have more resources and expertise, at the expense of developing nations.

Also on the first day of the G7, the impact of climate change on cultural heritage will also be discussed. Global warming and extreme weather events are putting monuments, archaeological sites and historic landscapes around the world at risk. From rising sea levels threatening coastal cities to erosion affecting millennia-old archaeological sites and wildfires destroying forests and natural landscapes of priceless cultural value, climate change poses one of the greatest threats to humanity’s heritage.

Africa and the sustainable development of the African continent (Sept. 20)

The second day of the G7 will be devoted to Africa, a continent rich in cultural diversity and potential, but also marked by complex challenges related to economic and social development. G7 culture ministers will discuss how culture can be a tool for growth and sustainable development for the African continent. The cultural sector can be an engine of economic growth, creating jobs, promoting tourism and strengthening the sense of identity and belonging in local communities.

The concept of sustainable development will find emphasis during the second day: culture can no longer be considered a separate sector, separated from other global challenges such as poverty, inequality and the environmental crisis. On the contrary, it must be integrated into sustainable development strategies, recognizing its key role in promoting social cohesion and peace.

What issues will be discussed at the G7 Culture in Naples

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