The Civil 20 (C20) is elevating culture as a driver of global change. Through its Working Group on Cultural Diversity Recognition and Embracement, led by Princess Dr Nikiwe Bam of African Young Indigenous Leaders (Africa), C20 is championing culture not only as an expression of identity but as a resource for inclusive development, peace, and sustainability.
Backed by South Africa’s rich heritage of 11 official languages and indigenous traditions, this effort builds on global calls from UNESCO’s MONDIACULT Declaration to recent G20 commitments to position culture as a pillar of the post-2030 development agenda.
Speaking to Vula Vala, Bam said the protection and restitution of cultural heritage is not just about preservation but also about justice, healing, and sovereignty. “Centuries of colonialism, war, and cultural exploitation have displaced sacred artifacts, ancestral remains, and traditional knowledge systems. Addressing this legacy requires transparent, community-led processes of restitution, reparation, and heritage preservation.”
She explained that this involves legal frameworks, ethical museum practices, and stronger international cooperation. “Above all, this priority recognizes the profound spiritual and identity-based significance of cultural heritage for indigenous and traditional communities,” she noted.
Bam urged G20 member states to act. “We must see real commitment to the UNESCO 1970 Convention. It cannot remain a paper promise. Countries must implement and domesticate it to stop the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of our cultural property.”
She also stressed the need for binding frameworks for the repatriation of cultural artifacts and ancestral remains. “These must be done in consultation with source communities so that restitution is not just symbolic, but meaningful and restorative.”
Communities themselves, she added, must be at the centre of heritage protection. “Local and indigenous groups should not just be consulted but empowered. They deserve funding, training, and genuine decision-making roles. Their knowledge and traditions must be respected and preserved.”
On law and policy, Bam was firm. “We cannot protect heritage without strong legal frameworks. Nations must ratify and enforce existing international treaties, while harmonizing domestic laws to make restitution possible. Legal reforms should go further to recognize spiritual and cultural sovereignty, particularly for Indigenous and First Nations communities.”
She also emphasised partnerships. “Museums and cultural institutions should not tell our stories without us. Exhibitions must be co-curated so that narratives are redefined with authenticity and respect.”
On innovation, she highlighted technology’s role. “Digital archives, 3D scans, and blockchain tracking of provenance can make heritage accessible while ensuring transparency and real-time monitoring of sacred sites and artifacts.”
International solidarity, Bam said, is critical. “We must strengthen global collaboration. Joint recovery teams, responsible museum practices, and clear return policies are essential. At the same time, we must invest in libraries, museums, and archives across Africa and the wider Diaspora so that heritage, once returned, is preserved and celebrated.”
She added that accountability should accompany protection. “Those involved in trafficking and illegal trade must face sanctions, while good practices and restitution efforts should be rewarded. Only through a balance of pressure and encouragement can we ensure responsible stewardship of our shared human heritage.”
Looking at policies across Africa, Bam said traditional authorities and indigenous governance systems have long safeguarded culture and land, yet their role is often overlooked. “To build a future rooted in justice and inclusivity, it is essential to recognize these structures as legitimate actors within national and international policy frameworks.”
She called for indigenous participation in line with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). “They must be fully included in decisions about land, resources, and cultural matters. Their voices are vital to safeguarding biodiversity, preserving heritage, and ensuring development does not come at the expense of their rights.”
Conflicts between traditional authorities and elected governments, she warned, require fair resolution mechanisms. “Such structures would prevent tensions while fostering collaboration in solving community challenges.”
Bam said traditional leadership must align with transparency and accountability. “By embracing democratic values, traditional systems can protect citizens from abuses of power while retaining their cultural integrity. This balance allows them to remain relevant, respected, and trusted.”
She also called for constitutional and legislative protection of customary law, traditional leadership, and community-based justice systems. “Policies should safeguard these systems while creating regional platforms, such as re-establishing a SADC court or even an international court for traditional leaders. Such reforms will strengthen land and resource rights, restore authority to Indigenous communities, and foster stability and self-determination.”
Another pillar, she noted, is intercultural governance. “We must build inclusive policy platforms where elders, traditional councils, and spiritual leaders play an active role. Their wisdom, passed down through oral traditions and lived experiences, must be preserved and shared. Ensuring this knowledge is accessible to future generations enriches Africa’s contribution to global heritage.”
Finally, Bam insisted indigenous voices must not be confined locally. “Their representation is needed in global forums—especially in climate negotiations, education reform, and cultural policymaking at the G20 level. These are arenas where their perspectives can shape fairer, more sustainable solutions for humanity.”
Through her leadership, Bam is making the case that culture is not only about heritage but about justice, identity, and the future. The C20, under South Africa’s presidency, is set on ensuring that cultural diversity becomes central to global policy, reminding the world that heritage is not a relic of the past but a foundation for a just and sustainable future.