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Next Steps
Figure 12. A view of the Colosseum in Rome, where the 2021 Cultural Ministerial took place. We applaud the Italian Presidency for organising this historic event.
As this report makes clear, there are many immediate and concrete actions that can be taken to safeguard cultural heritage from looting and trafficking, while barring criminals from exploiting the $50.1 billion worldwide art market. However, what is needed most is global political will, a long-term strategy, and a sustained commitment. The G20 is in a unique position to provide all three by complementing the critical work already being done on the national and international levels.
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The G20 has already taken the most important first step. We commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for first recognizing the seriousness of the issue at the 2020 Riyadh Summit. We likewise applaud the Italian Presidency for putting it on the agenda of the 2021 Rome Summit, organising the July Cultural Ministerial, and creating the Culture Working Group. As Italy, Saudi Arabia, and other Member States build on this foundation and continue their work, we hope they will view these proposed recommendations as an opportunity to extend the G20’s leadership even further. Whether bad actors profit at the expense of legitimate businesses in the multi-billion art market now hinges on how the international community rises to the challenges before it. This includes governments, law enforcement, intergovernmental organisations, and—critically—responsible collectors, dealers, galleries, auction houses, and museums. We are optimistic that the G20 can and will help to bring these disparate players together.
In closing, we offer our thanks not only to the G20, but all who are prioritizing this issue. This report draws heavily from their work, including countless other individuals, institutions, and even entire governments and intergovernmental organisations. We are grateful to all who contributed officially or unofficially. Their assistance has been invaluable and any mistakes are ours and ours alone.
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