Archive · 9 Aug 2026
BRICS Culture Ministers Adopt Bhopal Declaration at 11th Meeting
Leaders from a group of countries called BRICS came together in Bhopal, a city in India, to talk about culture.
India is the leader of the group this year, so it is hosting the meetings.
The ministers talked about how countries can share art, music, and traditions with one another.
At the end of the meeting, everyone agreed to a plan called the Bhopal Declaration.
The plan is like a promise to help artists, protect old cultural treasures, and work together on creative ideas.
They also discussed making sure artists are treated fairly when computers using artificial intelligence use their work.
India announced a new project to create a list of artists who want to work with other countries.
Before the meeting, there was a big cultural festival where countries like Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Belarus, and the United Arab Emirates performed.
The visitors also got to see important cultural places in India, like Sanchi and Bhimbetka.
It was a way for many countries to become better friends through culture.
The 11th BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting, held under India's BRICS Chairship in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, concluded on August 8, 2026, with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration.
The declaration advances cooperation on the creative economy, UNESCO multinational nominations, provenance research, and the return and restitution of cultural property, including exploring AI-enabled tracing tools.
A total of 55 delegates from 14 countries took part: 10 BRICS members (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, UAE) and four partner countries (Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Thailand), with Egypt joining online.
India announced a pilot Voluntary Artist Registry initiative to facilitate cultural exchanges and create greater opportunities for artists and creative practitioners across BRICS.
The two-day BRICS Culture Festival (August 6-7, 2026) in Bhopal showcased performances by Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Belarus and the UAE, and delegations visited heritage sites including Sanchi and Bhimbetka.
- Who
- Culture ministers and heads of delegation from 10 BRICS member countries and four partner countries, hosted by India's Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
- What
- The 11th BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting concluded with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, a framework for strengthening cultural cooperation.
- When
- August 8, 2026, following three Culture Working Group meetings held earlier in 2026 (April 29-30 virtual, June 4-5 in Varanasi, August 5-6 in Bhopal).
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Why
- To strengthen cultural cooperation among BRICS member and partner countries under India's BRICS Chairship, guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
- Event
- 11th BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting
- Outcome
- Adoption of the Bhopal Declaration
- Location
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Date
- August 8, 2026
- Participants
- 55 delegates from 14 countries
- BRICS Members
- Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, UAE
- Partner Countries
- Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Thailand
- India's BRICS Theme
- Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
