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Declaration on Strengthening Cultural Sector Resilience in Ukraine Ukraine, February 1, 2025 We, Ministers of Culture and Heads of Delegations, as well as the representatives of the Council of Europe, UNESCO, the European Commission, meeting on 1 of st February 2025 in Ukraine, at the invitation of Mr.Mykola Tochytskyi, Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, at the Ukraine Culture Conference: Cooperation for Resilience, in follow-up of the Vilnius Call for Action on the Recovery of the Culture Sector of Ukraine (Vilnius, Lithuania, 6-7 June 2024), on the path to Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 to be held in Rome in July 2025, pursuant to the principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the UNESCO Constitution and its Conventions, recognizing the Russian Federation as an aggressor country waging an open illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine and condemning the actions of the Russian Federation that threaten the cultural heritage and cultural property of Ukraine, also recognizing the crucial contribution that culture and cultural heritage make to achieving a sustainable society, shaping national identity and fostering social cohesion thus strengthening the national security, driving the economic, social and environmental sustainability witnessing the substantial increase in the damage to Ukraine’s cultural heritage and cultural infrastructure, the losses of Ukraine’s cultural and creative sectors and the rising needs for the reconstruction and recovery of the culture sector of Ukraine, acknowledging the need for joint actions aimed at supporting Ukraine in safeguarding its culture and cultural heritage and preventing cultural erasure, emphasizing that the post-war recovery of Ukraine should consider culture and cultural heritage as a cross-cutting issue and the core stone that shapes the living environment, call to following actions: 1. The Ukrainian Heritage Fund should be established in order to support the restoration and preservation of the country's cultural heritage. With over 1,250 cultural heritage sites damaged or destroyed, there is an urgent need for safeguarding efforts addressing both tangible and intangible aspects of Ukraine's cultural heritage. The Fund should play a pivotal role in financing and supporting the recovery of museums, cultural landmarks, and historical sites, as well as strengthening the social infrastructure necessary to achieve these goals. 2. The Coalition for countering illicit trafficking of cultural goods should be launched aiming at providing a comprehensive framework to safeguard cultural assets during times of conflict or disaster. This coalition should facilitate the development of insurance mechanisms to protect artworks and cultural heritage from damage, theft, or loss. Additionally, it should strengthen international collaboration to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, promoting ethical practices and the preservation of cultural identity globally. 3. The sanctions should be imposed on the cultural sector representatives and organisations of the Russian Federation in order to prevent further violations of the international law in the sphere of cultural heritage protection. The sanctions policy should become an effective mechanism for shaping the new international practice of cultural heritage protection which will enable the implementation of the prevention measures against the violators and introduce the penalties for the violations. 4. The Platform for Recovery – the group of experts who will develop comprehensive guidelines for integrating cultural heritage preservation into the rebuilding process – should be established. Based on the principles of a high-quality Baukultur, the group should focus on strategies for maintaining cultural identity while ensuring sustainable urban development. The guidelines would emphasize balancing architectural, urban, and cultural goals, fostering inclusive and resilient communities in Ukraine in the spirit of Davos Declaration 2018 “Towards a high- quality Baukultur for Europe”. Saatja: "Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia" <[email protected]> Saaja: "Protokolli sekretär (e-mail)" <[email protected]> Teema: FW: Note Kuupäev: 2025-01-15 16:17 Dear colleagues and partners, I am delighted to extend an invitation to you to participate in the Ukraine Culture Conference “Cooperation for Resilience” which will be held on 1-2 February 2025 in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. Given your substantial support to the people of Ukraine in our fight for democratic values of the free world, I believe that your participation and thoughtful contributions would greatly enrich the outcomes of our meeting. I am glad to have the opportunity to meet personally and exchange ideas and best practices for better coordination of our work on the protection of Ukrainian culture heritage which is an integral part of European legacy, for fostering bilateral and international cooperation, for joint efforts in struggling the common external threats, and for deepening the understanding between our people. I look forward to our meeting in Uzhhorod in February. Sincerely, Mykola TOCHYTSKYI Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine To confirm your participation in the event, kindly complete the online registration form at your earliest convenience no later than 24th of January, indicating the accompanying persons if any. REGISTRATION FORM: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rVUrcYuFFKl-oM6aE61hhDjZ9GFU8_qvxe6YXJPYysM/edit February 1-2, 2025 100 Uzhanska Street, Kamianytsia village, Zakarpattia region, Ukraine (Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness) Organizer: Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine together with the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration in cooperation with the Recovery Support Unit implemented by UNESCO. Cultural Sovereignty as an integral part of the Internal Resilience Plan was announced by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his address to the Parliament of Ukraine on November 19, 2024. The format of “Cultural Ramstein”, will be a regular platform for partners’ cooperation. The first Ukraine Culture Conference: Cooperation for Resilience, in the format of “Cultural Ramstein”, is to outline the main priorities in strengthening the resilience of the cultural sector in Ukraine, to discuss common threats to cultural heritage protection, to exchange ideas on countering the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, and to establish a roadmap for achieving concrete results. Ministers of culture, international organizations, and representatives of the Ukrainian authorities are invited to participate in the Conference. The Conference, which will take place in Ukraine on 1-2 February 2025, will focus on issues related to the preservation of Ukrainian cultural heritage and national identity, as well as preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in Rome in July 2025. During the meeting, discussions will cover the establishment of the Ukrainian Heritage Fund, developing joint mechanisms to counter the illicit circulation of cultural goods, and the cultural component in post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. A joint Declaration will be signed as a result of the Conference. PROGRAM January 31, 2025 Friday ARRIVAL 18:00 DINNER. LOCATION TBА February 1, 2025 Saturday 9:30-10:00 REGISTRATION. WELCOME COFFEE Opening. Welcome Remarks 10:00-10:30 Mykola Tochytskyi – Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine MODULE I. Culture as a Component of National Security: 10:30-12:00 Joint Steps for the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Ukraine This module highlights the pivotal role of culture in strengthening resilience, regional development and social cohesion in Ukraine and in Europe. It underscores the importance of countering the erasure of Ukraine’s cultural identity and emphasizes culture as a key element of the global democratic society. Discussion will address the need for consolidating efforts in support of the cultural sector through sustained cooperation with partners. Open Microphone (registered speakers, 3-5 minutes) Moderator: Mykola Tochytskyi, Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine 12:00-12:30 COFFEE BREAK  MODULE II. National and International Sanctions: Countering 12:30-13:45 Illicit Cultural Property Trafficking This module highlights the urgent need for coordinated international action to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural property originating from Ukraine’s frontline and occupied territories. It will focus on global efforts to prevent the looting and unauthorized trade of Ukraine’s cultural heritage and ensure accountability for war crimes committed against cultural property. Additionally, the module will address the role of russian cultural and academic institutions in propagating narratives that fuel hostility and undermine international stability. Through dialogue and collaboration, we aim to strengthen global frameworks for the protection of cultural heritage and reinforce collective responsibility in preserving humanity’s shared history. Moderator: Andrii Nadzhos, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications 13:45-15:00 LUNCH MODULE III. Cultural Component in the Reconstruction and 15:00-16:15 Recovery of the Country This module highlights the central role of culture in Ukraine’s post-war recovery, inspired by the values of the New European Bauhaus and Baukultur. It emphasizes the integration of artistic and cultural elements into the restoration of urban and rural areas, infrastructure, and public spaces. The preservation and promotion of local and regional cultural identities will be key to rebuilding communities in ways that reflect their unique heritage and foster pride in their cultural legacy. A critical aspect of this effort is the active involvement of local and regional authorities, working in partnership with cultural institutions and international organizations. This collaboration will ensure that recovery efforts are inclusive, sustainable, and culturally grounded, reinforcing social cohesion and preserving Ukraine’s diverse cultural landscape. By embracing creativity and heritage, this module aims to rebuild not just physical structures but also the spirit and identity of Ukraine’s communities. MODERATOR: Anastasia Bondar, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications  Presentation of the Concept of the Ukrainian Heritage Fund 16:15-17:30 Discussing the launch of the Ukraine Heritage Fund aiming to support the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage. Given that more than 1,200 cultural heritage sites have been damaged or destroyed since 2022, there is an urgent need for restoration efforts addressing both tangible and intangible aspects of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Galyna Grygorenko – First Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications 17:30-18:00 SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION (*THE DRAFT IS ATTACHED TO THE INVITATION) 18:00-18:15 FAMILY PHOTO 18:15-18:45 PRESS BRIEFING 19:30-21:30 OFFICIAL DINNER February 2, 2025 Sunday 10:00-18:00 TIME RESERVED FOR BILATERAL MEETINGS LUNCH. TRANSFER PRACTICAL INFORMATION Accommodation The participants are responsible for arranging their accommodation. For your convenience, the organizer has reserved a certain number of rooms for the duration of the event in the hotels listed below. Please note that the heads of delegations are invited to book their accommodation in Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness. The transfer from other hotels will be provided by the organizer. Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness Perched atop a mountain at 260 meters above sea level and situated just 15 kilometers from Uzhhorod, the Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness complex offers a unique retreat. Adjacent to an ancient castle that historically served as a gathering place for royalty, nobles, and renowned artists and scholars, the resort is steeped in rich history. Its legacy is intertwined with the legendary international tourist and health center, “Verkhovyna,” celebrated for the surrounding forest, crystal-clear air, and mountain water known for their healing properties. 100 Uzhanska Street, Kamianytsia village, Zakarpattia Region, 89411 Please make your booking only via email address and indicate Email for booking: CULTURAL RAMSTEIN as the e-mail [email protected] subjec https://verkhovyna-resort.com +48 794 054 100  Hotel Resort & Spa Kamelot Hotel Resort & Spa Kamelot is located in Kamianets. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the property, room service, and a restaurant. For guests’ convenience, free private parking is available. 28 Uzhanska Street, Kamianytsia village, Uzhhorod District, Zakarpattia Region, Ukraine Email for booking: [email protected] https://hotel-kamelot.com.ua Please make your booking only via email address and indicate CULTURAL RAMSTEIN as the e-mail subjec The heads of delegations are invited to the official dinner hosted by the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine Mykola Tochytskyi on the 1st of February 2025 to be held at 7:30 PM in Verkhovyna Resort Medical & Wellness Dress-code: Business Attire