Second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting in Varanasi, June 2026

Key Facts

• Event: Second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting
• Dates: 4-5 June 2026
• Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Chairship: India holds BRICS Chairship in 2026, its fourth time
• Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
• Member countries (2026): 11 – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia
• Priority cultural areas: Creative Economy and Copyright in the Age of AI; Cultural Heritage Protection and Return of Cultural Property; Culture, Climate and Sustainable Development
• Next events: BRICS Culture Ministers’ meeting and BRICS Cultural Festival in Bhopal, August 2026

Background & Context

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Since 2024, it has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, growing to 11 members by 2026. India is the Chair in 2026 and leads the organization and hosting of related meetings. The Culture Working Group serves as a preparatory platform fostering multilateral cultural dialogue and policy coordination among member countries.

Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally, is a significant cultural and religious center in India. It is renowned for its riverfront ghats on the Ganga River, deep association with Hindu pilgrimage traditions, and proximity to the Buddhist heritage site of Sarnath, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon. Hosting the meeting in Varanasi underscores India's heritage and its emphasis on culture in international cooperation.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This event highlights India's prominent role in global diplomacy and cultural leadership within BRICS during its 2026 Chairship. Understanding the expanded BRICS membership and the thematic focuses of this meeting are valuable for competitive exams covering international relations, cultural affairs, and India's foreign policy. The topics such as AI in culture, heritage protection, and sustainable development align with current global agendas and India's diplomatic priorities.

Points to Remember

• The Second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting is scheduled for 4-5 June 2026 in Varanasi.
• India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026, marking its fourth time as Chair.
• By 2026, BRICS comprises 11 member countries including new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia.
• The meeting’s theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
• Focus areas include creative economy and AI-related copyright issues, cultural heritage protection and repatriation, and culture’s role in climate action and sustainable development.
• Varanasi’s selection as venue leverages its rich cultural heritage and significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
• Outcomes from the meeting will contribute to discussions at the BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting and Cultural Festival in Bhopal, August 2026.