At the 2025 Recovery Conference in Rome, culture ministers from various countries and Ukraine’s international partners discussed the role of culture in rebuilding human capital.
For the first time in the history of these conferences, a dedicated panel was held to focus on culture. Speakers explored how Ukraine’s cultural needs could be included in recovery and international support programs.
The Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mykola Tochytskyi, announced several new joint initiatives to protect and restore Ukraine’s cultural heritage and support the development of the cultural sector.
“Ukrainian culture gives meaning to the recovery process and helps ensure its long-term success. We are launching the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund, a new institution that will coordinate international support for cultural recovery,” Mykola Tochytskyi said.
He also introduced the Cultural Resilience Alliance, founded by Ukraine and Italy. The Alliance is open to all countries and organizations that share its principles and aims to include culture in long-term recovery and development plans. So far, Spain, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, UNESCO, and Europa Nostra have joined.
The Minister of Culture of Italy Alessandro Giuli reminded participants of the damage caused by russia’s full-scale invasion: “Since 2022, thousands of Ukrainian cultural sites have been destroyed. Every looted museum or stolen artifact is an attack on European culture and history — and on all of humanity”.
He called on other countries to support the Rome Manifesto, which outlines ways to help protect Ukrainian culture:
“This is about long-term international support for Ukraine. Italy believes that culture must play a central role in rebuilding and in lasting peace. Restoring cultural heritage should also be part of the EU’s political agenda.”
Alessandro Giuli also presented Mykola Tochytskyi with a replica of the Boxer at Rest statue — a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of hardship.
The panel highlighted how Ukraine’s shared cultural heritage with Europe can help strengthen connections and solidarity.
EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef announced the first initiative under Team Europe Ukraine:
“Twenty-five EU countries are joining forces to protect cultural sites, train cultural workers, and support Ukraine’s creative industries. We’re also adding €2 million in new funding — bringing this year’s total to €7 million for the cultural and creative sector”.
The panel also discussed how to include cultural heritage in Ukraine’s national recovery strategy.
Krista Pikkat, Director for Culture and Emergencies at UNESCO, stressed the importance of investing in culture:
“Culture can drive opportunity and development. We’re helping build capacity in Ukraine’s cultural sector. A team of experts is already working at the Ministry of Culture, and in September, together with the Lviv National Academy of Arts, we’re launching the first training program for restorers. UNESCO stands with Ukraine in this cultural resistance”.
