India's G20 Presidency on Leveraging Digital Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of Culture

Did you know that UNESCO along with UNITAR-UNISAT has produced an assessment of damage to the Ancient City of Aleppo using digital technologies like satellite imagery and a detailed 3D model of the citadel in collaboration with a technology firm? This is just one example of many where digitisation of cultural heritage in collaboration with technology firms is helping in ensuring transmission to future generations in case of irreversible damage.

Digitisation has facilitated the creation of online archives and databases that provide access to cultural heritage making it possible for people from all over the world to experience, learn and connect with their roots, involving various techniques such as scanning, photography, and 3D imaging. Digital technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality have also enabled the creation of virtual museums and galleries, where visitors can explore and interact with cultural artefacts from around the world.

Despite the strides taken in digitisation of cultural heritage, a digital divide exists in terms of gender gap, socio-economic factors and language barriers. Particularly, a collaborative and participatory framework approach for synergies with international organizations, universities, technology firms, and communities would be a significant step in the right direction to bridge the existing digital divide by sharing best practices.  

The vision of India’s Culture Working Group is to harness the potential of existing and emerging digital technologies to promote and facilitate access to cultural goods and services, as well as to preserve culture for future generations.

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