The G7 Culture event in Naples began with festivities and the good omen of San Gennaro. The city was heavily guarded to ensure the safety of participants. Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, received delegates from the 7 major countries at the Archaeological Museum of Naples, along with Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, Governor Vincenzo De Luca, Chief Prosecutor Nicola Gratteri, and others. After a visit to the museum, renowned theater and film legend Gabriele Lavia delivered an emotional reading in Latin in front of the Farnese Hercules statue. The Minister spoke about culture as a unifying force, welcoming guests and highlighting the universal message of culture.
Delegations from UNESCO, the EU, and guest countries, including Ukraine, Africa, and Brazil, were expected to kick off the summit’s proceedings. The focus of this G7 included building new partnerships with emerging economies and developing nations, particularly in Africa. The importance of culture as the “identity cornerstone of a people” and as a “crucial public good and engine for sustainable development” was emphasized in the wake of the recent flooding in Emilia Romagna. Discussions on protecting Ukrainian cultural heritage, challenges posed by AI in the creative sector, and the impact of climate change on cultural assets were also on the agenda.
Prior to the summit, activists staged a protest against overtourism in Naples, appealing to San Gennaro for intervention. The youth group Union of Students also protested the increasingly privatized and inaccessible cultural policies. Despite these demonstrations, the first day of the ministerial summit proceeded smoothly without any major issues for the city. The event aimed to address pressing international issues and foster dialogue on the role of culture in sustainable development.
The G7 Culture event marked an opportunity for global leaders to discuss important cultural matters, including protecting heritage, addressing AI challenges, and mitigating climate change impacts on cultural assets. The event also aimed to forge partnerships with emerging economies and developing nations, with a focus on Africa. The protest against overtourism and privatized cultural policies highlighted the importance of sustainable cultural practices and access for all. Overall, the first day of the ministerial summit in Naples proceeded successfully, setting the stage for further discussions on crucial international topics.
