Context: BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting
The 2nd BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting concluded in Varanasi under India’s BRICS Presidency, 2026.
Key Outcomes
Heritage Protection and Repatriation
- Cooperation for preservation and return of cultural artefacts.
UNESCO Cooperation
- Joint nominations under:
- World Heritage Convention
- Intangible Cultural Heritage List
- Memory of the World Programme
Culture and Development
- Culture recognised as a driver of social inclusion, sustainability and economic resilience.
BRICS Basics
Members:
10 members
- Brazil
- Russia
- India
- China
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- UAE
- Indonesia
Saudi Arabia:
Invited but not a full member.
Founded:
2009 as BRIC
South Africa joined:
2010
Fortaleza Declaration, 2014, Brazil:
Established:
- New Development Bank
- Contingent Reserve Arrangement
New Development Bank Headquarters:
Shanghai, China.






