Discussing recognizing and preserving the cultural

heritage of minorities and establishing mechanics to

protect right of cultural minorities within the South Asian
region.
•

•
In the context of the G20 summit, these words serve as a poignant reminder of the
fundamental purpose of international cooperation and the pursuit of global peace
and security. As leaders from the world’s most influential nations gather, it is
essential to reflect on the challenges we face today, much like the challenges that
led to the establishment of the G20 Meet.

In today’s complex world, the G20 summit offers an opportunity for nations to
come together, not only to address economic and financial issues but also to
confront pressing global challenges, such as climate change, inequality, and threats
to international peace. It is imperative that the leaders assembled here recognize
the importance of upholding the principles of the international law and maintain
social Harmony.

While we acknowledge the progress made since the Second World War, it is also
evident that we continue to grapple with conflicts, violations of rights, and
humanitarian crises. As diplomats, it is our duty to approach these issues with the
utmost seriousness, devoid of rhetoric and empty promises.

The path forward lies in comprehensive research, sound policy proposals, and a
commitment to practical solutions that can lead us away from the darkness of
conflict and towards a brighter future of peace and prosperity for all nations. Let us
remember that the pertinence of this question cannot be overstated, and the
success of the G20 summit depends on our collective dedication to finding
meaningful answers.

Warm regards,

Mohak Seth (CHAIRPERSON)

E-MAIL ID : mohakseth7@gmail.com

Shivank Shukla (VICE – CHAIRPERSON).

EMAIL ID : shivankshuklasb@gmail.com
In the pursuit of informed dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, the
Substance and Resource Department is honored to present this background guide
for the The Hampi Cultural Meeting. As we embark on this collective endeavor, it is
our privilege to provide you, the diplomats, with the foundational knowledge and
context necessary to navigate the complex challenges awaiting our consideration.

This guide is more than a collection of facts and figures; it represents the
culmination of extensive research and analysis, undertaken with the utmost
dedication. Our goal is to offer you a comprehensive understanding of the critical
issues at the heart of this meeting, transcending mere information to empower you
with insights, perspectives, and historical perspectives that will enrich your
deliberations.

As you delve into these pages, you will find not only a detailed exploration of the
topics but also a call to action. We believe in the potential of this meeting to foster
meaningful change, and this guide is your compass on that journey. It serves as a
testament to our shared commitment to diplomacy, cooperation, and the pursuit of
equitable solutions.

With a sense of purpose and the knowledge within these pages, we invite you to
engage in thoughtful discourse, collaborate with fellow diplomats, and contribute to
the resolutions that will shape our shared future. Let us embark on this journey with
open hearts and open minds, united by a common aspiration: to leave a lasting and
positive impact on the world we inhabit.

Together, we have the opportunity to transform challenges into opportunities, and

dialogue into action. We are excited to witness the vibrant exchange of ideas and
the forging of connections that will occur during this meeting, and we are confident
that your contributions will chart a course toward a brighter tomorrow.

With optimism and anticipation,

Shagun Chaturvedi
Chief Executive of Substance and Resource
APSK Model G20 Summit 2023
The rules of procedure play a vital role in the G20 summit experience by establishing a
structured framework for productive and organized debates. Just as real world diplomacy
adheres to specific protocols, the ROP guides G20 participants in navigating discussions,
speeches and decision making. This set of guidelines ensures that all diplomats have equal
opportunities to express their viewpoints, engage in constructive dialogue and contribute to
the formation of resolutions. Ultimately, the ROP not only enhances the authenticity of the
G20 simulation but also fosters an environment where participants develop critical
understanding of global issues and practice the art of diplomacy in a respectful and well-
ordered manner.

It is the process of calling out diplomats' names from a list to verify their presence. The
diplomats are supposed to state their presence by saying 'present' or 'present in executive
action'. By saying 'present in executive action' the diplomats have to vote either for or
against a particular proceeding, whereas by saying present the diplomat has a choice of
refraining from motive.

In the context of MODEL G20 SUMMIT, The plenary speaker lineup is a designated order in
which diplomats can address the meeting to share their opinions, present their country's
stance on the topic under discussion, or propose solutions. Diplomats indicate their desire
to be added to the PSL by raising their placards. The president then calls upon diplomats in
the order they were added to the list, allowing them to speak on the topic. The PSL provides
structure and equal speaking opportunities for all diplomats during the general debate
phase of a G20 session.

In MODEL G20 SUMMIT, a coordinated symposium is a structured discussion session in

which diplomats debate specific topics or issues related to the agenda. The president
controls the speaking time and the flow of the discussion. The Diplomats raise their placards
to request speaking turns, and the president recognizes them one by one. Coordinated
symposiums provides an opportunity for the diplomats to engage in focused and in-depth
discussions, share their perspectives, propose solutions, and seek consensus among the
participants. The president maintains order and ensures that the discussion remains
relevant to the chosen topics.
TO RAISE A MOTION IN COORDINATED SYMPOSIUM – ‘The diplomat of India would like to
raise a motion to enter into a coordinated symposium for the topic for total time being 30
minutes and individual speaker time being 90 seconds.’
Uncoordinated symposium is a session in which diplomats have the freedom to move
around, interact, and collaborate with the fellow diplomats to discuss topics on the agenda.
Unlike a coordinated symposium, there is no formal speaking time or structured moderation
by the president. During an uncoordinated symposium, diplomats are encouraged to form
small groups, negotiate, draft resolutions, and exchange ideas more informally. The absence
of strict time limits and formal recognition of speakers foster a more dynamic and
collaborative environment
– ‘The diplomat of India
would like to raise a motion to enter into an uncoordinated symposium for the total time
being 30 minutes.’

Motion refers to a formal request or proposal made by a diplomat during a meeting. These
motions are essential to the procedural aspects of a meeting,and they serve various
purposes. Some common motions are as follows:
Motion to Open Debate: This is typically the first motion made in a meeting, and it is used to
begin discussions on the agenda items.
Motion to Set the Agenda: Diplomats propose and vote on the order in which agenda items
will be discussed.
Motion for Coordinated Symposium: This motion allows for a structured debate on a
specific topic, with diplomats taking turns speaking for a set amount of time.
Motion for Uncoordinated Symposium: This motion suspends the formal debate and allows
diplomats to informally discuss and collaborate on issues.
Motion to Table: Diplomats use this motion to temporarily suspend discussion on a topic or
resolution. It can be useful when there’s a need for further research or negotiation.
Motion to Close Debate: When diplomats believe that sufficient discussion has occurred on
a topic, they can propose to end the debate and move to the voting phase.
Motion to Adjourn: This motion is used to end the meeting for the day or until the next
scheduled session.
Motion for a Presentee Census: When a vote is called, diplomats can request a presentee
census vote, where each diplomat’s position is announced individually.

Yields refer to the action of a diplomat giving up or transferring their speaking time or the
floor to another diplomat or to President. Yields are of the following types :
Yield to the President: A diplomat can yield their speaking time to the President. This
typically happens when a diplomat has finished their speech or statement and wants to
formally end their speaking turn.
Yield to the Previous Speaker: If a diplomat wishes to allow the diplomat who spoke before
them to continue or make additional comments, they can yield to the previous speaker. This
can be a way to engage in a back-and-forth discussion.
Yield to the Next Speaker: When a diplomat has the floor but wishes to pass it to a specific
diplomat who has indicated a desire to speak next, they can yield to the next speaker. This is
a courteous way to allow the next diplomat to take the floor.
Yield to Points of Information: During a diplomat’s speech, other diplomats may raise
“Points of Information” to ask questions or seek clarification. The diplomat speaking can
yield to these points to entertain questions and engage in interactive discussion.

Points are procedural tools that the diplomats can use to interact and engage during a
meeting. Here are a few points:
Point of Parliamentary Inquiry: Diplomats raise a “Point of Parliamentary Inquiry” when they
seek clarification on the rules of procedure or how the meeting is conducting its business. It
is used to understand the current status of the debate, the order of business, or any other
procedural questions.
Point of Personal Privilege: Diplomats raise a “Point of Personal Privilege” when they are
experiencing discomfort or an issue that affects their ability to participate. For example, if
the room temperature is too cold, a diplomat might raise a Point of Personal Privilege to
request an adjustment.
Point of Information: It is a procedural tool that allows diplomats to briefly interject and ask
a question or make a brief comment or clarification during a debate or speech. Points of
information are typically used when a diplomat wishes to seek additional information from
the speaker or challenge a statement made by the speaker. These points are usually very
short, lasting no more than 15-30 seconds, and are subject to the discretion of the
President, who may choose to allow or disallow them.
Point of Clarification: It is a procedural tool used by diplomats to seek clarification or ask
questions about a speaker’s statement or a particular aspect of the debate. When a
diplomat raises a point of clarification, they are not making a substantive argument or
expressing their own opinion but are simply seeking information to better understand the
topic or the speaker’s position. The President may allow or disallow points of clarification.
Point of Order: It is a procedural request made by a diplomat to bring attention to a
violation of the established rules of procedure during a meeting. Diplomats raise points of
order when they believe that the rules are not being followed correctly, or there is a breach
of decorum or fairness within the meeting. The President is responsible for addressing and
ruling on points of order to ensure that the debate and proceedings adhere to the
established rules and guidelines.

An amendment refers to a formal proposal made by a diplomat to modify or change specific

aspects of a draft resolution or Statement of Interest being discussed within a meeting.
These amendments are crucial for diplomats to fine-tune the content of the resolution to
better address the concerns and interests of member states. Here's how the process
generally works:
Submission: Diplomats can submit amendments to the draft resolution. These amendments
can involve adding, deleting, or modifying clauses or provisions within the resolution.
Debate: The meeting then debates each proposed amendment. Diplomats may speak in
favor of or against the proposed change, providing reasons for their stance.
Voting: After the debate, the meeting votes on the amendment. If a majority of the
diplomats support it, the amendment is incorporated into the resolution.
Continued Debate: Once all amendments have been considered and voted upon, the
meeting continues to debate and vote on the amended resolution as a whole.

In Model G20 Summit, a Statement of Interest is a concise written document that presents a
diplomats or country's viewpoint, policies, and proposed solutions regarding the topics to
be discussed during the meeting. It serves as a pre-conference research and communication
tool, outlining the diplomat's understanding of the issues, their country's historical context
or stance, and specific actions they believe should be taken to address the problems at
hand. Statements of Interest are essential for diplomats to clarify their positions, inform
other participants of their priorities, and lay the groundwork for constructive debate,
negotiation, and collaboration within G20 committees.

A draft resolution is a formal written proposal that outlines a potential solution to a specific
issue or topic being discussed within a meeting. Diplomats, often working together in blocs
or groups, draft resolutions as a means of presenting their ideas and recommendations for
addressing global challenges or conflicts. A typical draft resolution includes several key
elements:
Authors: Authors of a resolution are diplomats that take the lead in drafting the resolution.
They are responsible for formulating the content, including the preambulatory and
operative clauses. Authors are typically the primary proponents of the resolution and are
highly involved in its development.
Preliminary Provisions: These clauses provide background information, context, and
justification for the resolution. They often begin with phrases like “Recognizing,” “Taking
into consideration,” or “Aware of.”
Directive Provisions: Operative clauses contain specific actions, measures, or
recommendations that the meeting should take to address the issue. These clauses often
begin with verbs like “Urges,” “Calls upon,” “Recommends,” or “Demands.”
Signatories: Diplomats that support and sponsor the draft resolution are listed as
signatories. They are the primary authors and advocates for the resolution.
Co-Sponsors: Other diplomats that support the resolution but are not its primary authors
may be listed as co-sponsors. Co-sponsors express their endorsement of the resolution’s
content.
Votes: Draft resolutions include sections indicating how voting will occur when the
resolution is debated. This may include specifying whether a simple majority or a two-thirds
majority is required for the resolution to pass.
Sources and Citations: If applicable, diplomats should provide references to sources or
international agreements that support the resolution’s content.

Panel Quandary refers to a dynamic and unpredictable element introduced into a meeting
to simulate real-world challenges and emergencies. It is designed to test the crisis
management and decision-making skills of diplomats. These quandaries can take various
forms, such as breaking news, riots, unexpected developments, disasters, or sudden
international incidents related to the topics under discussion. Diplomats must respond to
these quandaries in real-time, adapting their strategies and resolutions to address the new
challenges they present. Panel Quandary simulations add an element of realism, urgency,
and excitement to the summit, requiring diploma to think quickly, collaborate effectively,
and make diplomatic decisions under pressure, enhancing the educational experience of the
summit.

Voting refers to the formal process by which diplomats, cast their ballots or express their
positions on resolutions, amendments, or other substantive matters under consideration.
Voting is a crucial step in the decision-making process during meetings. Diplomats may vote
to approve or reject draft resolutions, amendments, or procedural motions, and the
outcome of these votes determines the course of action taken by the meeting. Different
voting methods, such as simple majority, two-thirds majority, or consensus, may be
employed. The voting process plays a significant role in shaping the outcomes of summits
and reflects the consensus-building and diplomatic aspects of international diplomacy.
Simple Majority: Simple majority voting requires more “in favor” votes than “against” votes
for a motion or resolution to pass.
Two-Thirds Majority: Some important decisions in the meetings require a higher threshold
for approval. A two-thirds majority means that at least two-thirds of the voting members
must support the motion or resolution for it to pass.
Consensus: Achieving consensus means that all diplomats in the meeting are in complete
agreement on a particular issue or resolution.
Abstention: When a diplomat chooses not to vote either in favor or against a motion or
resolution, they abstain. Abstentions are often used to signal neutrality or to avoid taking a
position.
 "The true beauty of South Asia lies in its kaleidoscope of cultures. To
protect minority cultural rights is to preserve the vibrant hues that
collectively paint the landscape of our shared heritage."-
William Pretrach

The ruins of the grandiose ancient city of Hampi -- the capital of the
Vijayanagar Empire -- with its graceful arches and weathered domes
were the apt backdrop for the G20 Culture Working Group Meeting
discussing preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, in a
remarkable convergence of history and diplomacy, The first two CWG
meetings were held at Khajuraho and Bhubaneswar. The aim of these
were to recognise the unique and interconnected nature of diverse
cultures, highlighting the commonalities that bind societies together,
the 'Cultural Unites All' campaign. By valuing and promoting cultural
diversity as a source of strength, the campaign aims to foster unity and
appreciation among nations.

Culture serves as a platform that enables us to recognize and honor

our differences while reveling in our common humanity. It stands as a
unique expression of our shared human experience. The meeting
sought to build consensus around the recommendations and best
practices related to the four priorities of the Cultural Working Group
(CWG). These key focus areas have been delineated as part of the
Culture Track. The four primary priorities include: Protection and
Restitution of Cultural Property; Harnessing Living Heritage for a
Sustainable Future; Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and
Creative Economy; and Leveraging Digital Technologies for the
Protection and Promotion of Culture.
● The 4 priority areas as mentioned in the introduction, upon
elaborating include Protecting cultural property, based on the UNESCO
1970 Convention urges signatory nations to willingly repatriate
cultural artefacts acquired through colonial plunder or post-colonial
misappropriation, such as smuggling or theft, to their countries of
origin. The goal of "Harnessing Living Heritage for a Sustainable
Future" is to enhance indigenous rights and protect against the misuse
of traditional practices.
● The thrust of "Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and
Creative Economy" is to establish methods for assessing the cultural
impact of monuments and cultural sites, ultimately fostering a creative
economy based on this understanding. Lastly, the endeavour to
Leverage Digital Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of
Culture encompasses the global cultural sphere undergoing a digital
revolution, driven by Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and immersive
technologies.

● Cultural Preservation refers to protection of cultural richness and

diversity, an example of this is the The Khajuraho Group of
Monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These
temples, built between the 9th and 11th centuries, are considered a
masterpiece of Indian architectural and artistic achievements, making
them a significant cultural and historical treasure.
● Cultural heritage, encompassing tangible and intangible cultural
assets, is a vital aspect of a nation's identity. It includes historical sites,
art, traditions, languages, and practices that have been passed down
through generations. Preserving cultural heritage is not only a matter
of national pride but also a global responsibility.
● Promoting cultural diversity in South Asia is of paramount importance
as it helps preserve these unique traditions, languages, and customs
that contribute to the region's identity, fosters social cohesion by
promoting understanding and tolerance among different communities,
drive economic growth through tourism, cultural industries, and
traditional craftsmanship. Therefore the importance of Cultural
Tapestry and it's preservation cannot be highlighted enough.
● "South Asia's Rich Cultural Tapestry" typically refers to the diverse and
vibrant cultural heritage found across the countries in the South Asian
region. It encompasses a wide array of traditions, languages, religions,
arts, and customs.
● These include Ethnic East Asian Groups such as Tibetians, Mongols
and Ainus etc, Southeast Asian Groups such as Rohingya (Primarily in
Myanmar), Hmong (found in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar).
South Asian minorities such as the Tamils. Mizos and Hazaras. Also
the Yaos (an ethnic minority in China, Vietnam, and Thailand), the
Manchus and Huis associated with China are also of significant
importance.

● Countries such as Singapore encompass multicultural societies

including Chinese, Malay and Eurasian communities. UAE's cultural
landscape reflects a fusion of Arab, Persian, and South Asian
influences. Such nations embrace cultural diversity by fostering social
harmony, economic development.
● In Japan, Ainu people, indigenous to Hokkaido, have a distinct cultural
identity through their traditional clothing 'attus' and unique
storytelling called 'kamuy yukar'. The Dayak People of Indonesia
celebrate their Culture by drawing elaborate tattoos and intricate wood
carvings.
● These examples showcase the immense cultural diversity and tapestry
that exists within various South Asian nations, with various minority
groups contributing to the nation's vibrant heritage. Celebrating and
 preserving these diverse cultures is essential for the collective identity
and the global appreciation of its cultural richness.

• Financial resources play a significant role in preserving and

promoting cultural heritage. Adequate financial resources are
essential for the maintenance, restoration, and conservation of
cultural heritage sites. These resources enable the development
of educational programs and research initiatives related to
cultural heritage. Sustainable development initiatives including
making heritage sites more resilient to climate change also
needs funds, which enable us to preserve them for the future
generations.
• According to a survey by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre,
“Medium per capita national public and private combined
expenditure on cultural heritage in 2020-2021 was 89.1 $PPP
but that the range of investment was large with, for example,
values across European countries ranging from 11.1 $PPP per
capita in Greece up to 219 $PPP for Denmark.” This goes on to
highlight, that countries such as Cambodia and Afghanistan
facing problems of resource allocation have also seriously
suffered in terms of cultural development due to limited
investment, infrastructural challenges and reduced access to
education.

• Discrimination and marginalization of minorities in countries can lead

to the degradation of cultural heritage including erosion of minority
languages as speakers are pressured to assimilate into the dominant
culture, erosion of tradition, limited access to quality education for
minority communities, hindering the transmission of cultural
knowledge to younger generations, negative stigmatisation which
further makes it difficult for minorities to express and celebrate their
cultural identity openly. Moreover, displacement and dispossession
forcing communities to relocate from their ancestral lands, disrupting
their connection to cultural and historical sites. Their
 underrepresentation in mainstream media, further erodes their cultural
visibility. Furthermore, Legal and Political Challenges such as
discriminatory laws and policies can hinder minority groups' ability to
protect and promote their cultural heritage.
• The Tibetan culture in China has faced significant challenges due to
Chinese policies, including restrictions on religious practices, language
suppression, and the resettlement of Tibetan communities. The
Rohingya minority of Myanmar has also faced discrimination and
persecution, leading to displacement and loss of cultural heritage,
including their ancestral villages and religious sites. These examples
illlustrate how minorities have faced the degradation of their cultural
heritage due to marginalization and discrimination.

• It is our role as human rights defenders to ensure that the rights of

national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities are highlighted
and taken into account. The minorities around the world have adopted
legal frameworks and international agreements to protect their cultural
heritage.
• The ‘UN Declaration on the Rights of indigenous peoples’, 'UNESCO
Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage’,
'European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages’ have all been
adopted to safeguard and promote intangible cultural heritage, which
includes traditions, rituals, oral histories, and more. It encourages the
active involvement of communities in the preservation of their
heritage.
• Governments play a crucial role in protecting the cultural heritage of
minority communities within their countries. This role is vital to enact
and enforce laws that protect the cultural heritage of such persond.
The allocation of funding and resources to support initiatives aimed at
preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of minority
communities. Ensuring that minority communities have a voice and
representation in decision-making processes related to cultural
heritage preservation is also a part of their responsibility.
 Our culture, our traditions, our language are the foundations upon
which we build our identity.” — César Chávez
• Individual countries within South Asia have undertaken various
cultural preservation projects with their own initiatives or
through international partnerships. Promotion of Traditional
Arts in Sri Lanka, has involved projects to promote and preserve
traditional art forms, such as Kandyan dancing and traditional
music.
• The Protection of Sundarbans Mangrove Forests (UNESCO World
Heritage site) in Bangladesh and India, which are home to
unique cultural practices of the communities living in and
around the mangrove forests. Conservation efforts here focus
not only on the environment but also on preserving the cultural
traditions of the local minorities.
• The Protection of Terracotta Army Xi’an, China is a vast
collection of terracotta statues depicting the armies of the first
Emperor of China. Conservation work is ongoing to safeguard
these remarkable archaeological findings.

By fostering collaboration between the government and civil society, a

holistic and sustainable approach to cultural heritage protection can be
achieved. This synergy helps to ensure that the cultural treasures of a nation
are preserved for future generations. Civil society accumulates information
and filters it, forming requirements that represent people’s concerns. It
helps governments and international organizations stay informed about
some vital cultural issues.

The precise function of civil society in preserving cultural heritage divides

into two aspects:-

• First is accumulating information about trouble spots and submitting it

to national bodies or international organizations to attract necessary
resources.
• Second is advancing the implementation of cultural policy conducted
by governments and international structures. Moreover, civil society
may press onto national bodies in case they do not show enough
concern about cultural issues.
The growing concern about issues relating to culture is understandable,
for culture sites are the basis for identity. Civil society’s involvement in
preserving cultural heritage used to be insufficient, but nowadays it is
growing, though the role of government in the area under consideration
is still more noticeable.

In envisioning the future of cultural heritage preservation, we embrace a

holistic and forward-looking strategy that capitalizes on technology,
promotes worldwide collaboration, involves communities, and prioritizes
sustainable practices. Some directions and objectives for the future are:-

• FOCUSING ON WORLD CONCERNS FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE:

Objective 1: Protect Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis: Promote
effective Disaster Risk Management Strategies in situations of
conflicts, disasters and complex emergencies.
Objective 2: Foster Emerging issues of Cultural Heritage and
Conservation: Provide innovative and effective responses to
emerging issues, such as the interlinkages of nature/culture, and
sustainable development.
• CREATING A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE GLOBAL NETWORK
Objective 1: Lead and Innovate Capacity Building at Local, Regional
and International levels: Promote wider access, engage with new
ways to deliver content and foster partnerships by addressing
challenges and opportunities at all levels.
Objective 2: Enhance Community Engagement in Protecting
Heritage: Facilitate social inclusivity by addressing concerns of
communities connected with cultural heritage in all ICCROM
programmes.
Objective 3: Strengthen Awareness of Cultural Heritage and
Conservation: Raise the position of cultural heritage conservation
within national and international policy frameworks.
https://www.unesco.org/en/sustainabledevelopment/culture/g20
https://www.g20.org/content/dam/gtwenty/gtwenty_new/docum
ent/G20_Thematic_Webinars_Report_2023_India_REVISED.pdf
https://www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2023
/03/G20_Priority%201%20India%20CWG%20Background%20Pap
er.pdf
https://eoi.gov.in/ashgabat/?pdf18197?000
http://real.mtak.hu/155377/1/CEA_LSCE_PhD_Raisz_International
Law_CH10.pdf
https://www.g20.org/content/dam/gtwenty/gtwenty_new/docum
ent/2--
new/G20_Culture_Ministers_Meeting_Outcome_Document_and
_Chairs_summary.pdf
https://www.oecd.org/cfe/leed/OECD-G20-Culture-July-2021.pdf