On November 25, Mykola Tochytskyi, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, met with Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, the Head of the UNESCO Office in Ukraine, to explore future avenues of collaboration in the cultural sector.
Mykola Tochytskyi expressed his gratitude to Dezzi Bardeschi for UNESCO Office in Ukraine support in preserving Ukraine’s national cultural heritage, which has suffered significant damage due to russian aggression. He specifically noted UNESCO’s support in driving digital transformation within the cultural and media sectors.
“I am sincerely grateful for the support Ukraine has received since the onset of the full-scale war. This support is reflected not only in words but in concrete actions, ranging from joint cultural projects to safeguarding the Ukrainian media landscape amid russian aggression. This includes protecting journalists who risk their lives to report from the frontlines and expose the truth about russia’s crimes against humanity. UNESCO remains an invaluable partner, and we look forward to further support in securing the release of Ukrainian media professionals held in russian captivity,” said Mykola Tochytskyi.
The Minister also invited UNESCO representatives to participate in the development of the draft “Strategy for Ukrainian Culture Development for 2025–2030”.
“UNESCO stands firmly with Ukraine, working together to protect culture, uphold press freedom, and strengthen education. In close cooperation, we address urgent needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery—from emergency response to preservation of cultural heritage and fostering creative initiatives. As the UN lead on journalist safety, we support media professionals with training, grants, and safe spaces to work. We also remain committed to preserving Ukraine’s unique cultural heritage,—both tangible and intangible, source of strength of community — as a vital part of our shared human legacy,” said Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, Head of the UNESCO Office in Ukraine.
The discussion also covered the nomination of two cultural elements, namely the tradition of Decorative Easter Egg (Pysanka) Painting in Ukrainian Communities and the Kobzar and Lirnyk Tradition Safeguarding Program for inclusion on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices. These nominations are set to be reviewed during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay.
Mykola Tochytskyi emphasized the importance of deepening the partnership between Ukraine and UNESCO, particularly in advancing initiatives to preserve and restore cultural heritage and provide psychological support to vulnerable social groups through art. He spotlighted the “Art of Helping” project, a collaborative effort between the MSCS, UNESCO and Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers’ Mental Health Coordination Center. This initiative includes the “Libraries as Spaces for Psychosocial Support” program.
The discussion also covered the implementation of the project “Culture for Peace and Resilience: Establishing a Cultural Hub in Lviv, Ukraine” which UNESCO is undertaking with financial support from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.
The Minister expressed hope for continued UNESCO support in aiding cultural institutions and heritage sites damaged by hostilities. Special attention was given to the Mykhailo Boichuk Kyiv State Academy of Decorative and Applied Arts and Design and the Taras Shevchenko Chernihiv Regional Academic Ukrainian Music and Drama Theatre, both of which require significant repairs and restoration following missile strikes.
