On April 28, Kyiv hosted the forum “Culture Development Strategy in Ukraine 2025–2030: Key Steps for Implementation”. The event focused on practical steps for putting Ukraine’s cultural strategy into action, building partnerships, and clarifying the roles of everyone involved in the cultural sector.
The forum brought together cultural professionals, government officials, civil society representatives, experts, and international partners to discuss and coordinate Ukraine’s cultural development plans.
In his keynote speech, Mykola Tochytskyi, Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, highlighted the vital role of culture in the country’s recovery and its development as a strong, democratic state. He emphasized that culture is closely linked to Ukraine’s economy, security, and education.
“Our goal is not just to win the war with weapons, but to win it with meaning. By 2030, we see Ukraine as a country setting new cultural standards, with Ukrainian culture helping to drive global democratic change”, said Mykola Tochytskyi.
He noted that the new Culture Development Strategy focuses on rethinking cultural heritage, strengthening the cultural sector, supporting talent, and connecting Ukraine more deeply with the global cultural community. The Minister stressed that culture not only protects Ukraine’s identity but also creates new ideas that matter beyond its borders.
A key part of the forum was the panel discussion “Culture as a bridge of trust: partnerships in cultural policy”, moderated by Mykola Tochytskyi, Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine. The discussion featured Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport, and Hanna Wróblewska, Minister of Culture and National Heritage of Poland.
Mykola Tochytskyi encouraged Ukraine’s international partners to see culture as a tool for unity, security, and solidarity—both inside Ukraine and across Europe. He said that in uncertain times, culture helps bring people and countries together and can lay the groundwork for new partnerships. In this way, the Culture Strategy is not only a national goal but also part of Ukraine’s path toward European integration.
Glenn Micallef spoke about the growing role of culture in strengthening national security and identity. He also highlighted the importance of EU–Ukraine cooperation in building trust and resilience.
“Culture is the foundation of trust and unity between nations. The EU is fully committed to helping Ukraine protect its heritage, grow its creative industries, and strengthen cultural diplomacy”, said he.
Glenn Micallef also stressed that culture is essential for international cooperation and a key part of European solidarity as Ukraine moves closer to EU membership.
Hanna Wróblewska supported this view, highlighting the need to strengthen cultural ties between Poland and Ukraine. She called culture a foundation of national identity and a powerful way to build strong international relationships, especially during wartime. She also spoke about the importance of protecting Ukraine’s heritage and raising its cultural profile worldwide.
“Poland will always stand with Ukraine. Our cultural partnership is key to Ukraine’s European future, where culture will play an important role in rebuilding and long-term resilience”, said Hanna Wróblewska.
At the end of the panel, Mykola Tochytskyi expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s international partners — especially Poland and EU countries — for their strong and ongoing support in promoting Ukrainian values around the world.
“Trust is the most valuable currency today, and culture is how we build it. It’s also the foundation of our security and resilience”, he said.
He urged partners to go beyond funding and become true allies in building a shared European identity — one where culture plays a central, unifying role.
The forum “Culture Development Strategy in Ukraine 2025–2030” was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine in cooperation with the European Union as part of the Ukraine Facility initiative.
