The 1^st and 2^nd BRICS Culture Working Group (CWG) Meetings held under India's BRICS Presidency on 29-30 April, 2026 and 5-6 June, 2026 respectively deliberated on Creative Economy and People to People cooperation, copyright and ethical AI in creative Economy, Strategies for Cultural Heritage Protection and return of Cultural Property etc.

  The discussions focused on safeguarding the rights and interests of creators, artists and cultural practitioners in the evolving digital environment, including issues relating to copyright protection, fair remuneration, ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, strengthening intellectual property frameworks etc. among BRICS Member States.

The BRICS Member States deliberated on Cultural Heritage Protection and Return of Cultural Property as one of the priority areas. The discussions emphasized strengthening cooperation through continued dialogue, exchange of experiences and best practices, coordinated efforts to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property etc. Member States also supported continued engagement on issues relating to the return and restitution of cultural property in accordance with their respective national legal and institutional frameworks.

The recommendations and deliberations emerged from the 2nd BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting held at Varanasi have been shared with BRICS member states.    

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today

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 M Annadurai