Highlights (1) – EYCH 2018: International Perspectives Forum

On 23 April 2018, the Cultural Diplomacy Platform organised a forum entitled European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018: International Perspectives. The Cultural Diplomacy Platform wanted to look at the main themes of the EYCH with an international perspective, by inviting panel of speakers coming from 11 countries from outside Europe and inside Europeans. The Forum gathered about 250 participants and was a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, expertise and latest cultural heritage approaches between the EU and its strategic partners.

• Access the programme of the Forum here
• Access the biographies of our speakers here

The Opening Address of the Forum was made by:

• Silvio Gonzato, Director for Strategic Communications, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs from the European External Action Service (EEAS)
• Themis Christophidou, Director-General from the European Commission’s Directorate General for Education, youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC)
• Stefano Manservisi, Director-General from the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO)

 

Here are the highlights of their speeches from the Opening Address:

Silvio Gonzato, EEAS:

“Cultural heritage can be a tool for intercultural dialogue, it can support cohesive society, and while it strengthens collective identity, it can also open their minds to other cultures.”

Themis Christophidou, DG EAC:

“Culture can be a powerful tool to build bridges between people, communities and nations.”

Stefano Manservisi, DG DEVCO:

“No Peace, no Development, without Culture.”