Go backUKRAINIAN CULTURE SECURITY FORUM, BERLIN 2025
October, 2025
Ukraine Culture Security Forum in Berlin: Protecting Culture, Strengthening Democracy
The Ukraine Culture Security Forum in Berlin brought together representatives of ministries, museums, international organizations, and NGOs from Ukraine, Poland, Germany, and France to discuss how culture and cultural heritage contribute to national and European security — and how to protect them in times of war.
During the opening, speakers emphasized that preserving culture is a shared European responsibility. Stefan Rössel (German Federal Foreign Office) reminded that “Ukrainian cultural heritage is also our heritage,” while Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev highlighted that protecting culture means safeguarding “not only material things, but also knowledge and memory.”
Four key themes shaped the discussions:
Dr. Oksana Lifantii (National Museum of the History of Ukraine) drew attention to the illegal excavations and looting of cultural sites in occupied territories, stressing the urgency of recognizing such acts as cultural crimes that threaten identity as much as heritage. Silke Krummel (Agency for International Museum Cooperation) added that “Cultural institutions tell the story of who we are — that’s why they must remain trusted spaces for learning and dialogue.”
The Forum concluded with a shared understanding that protecting culture means protecting democracy. A vivid and engaged discussion from the audience showed how vital and necessary these conversations are today.
Many thanks to all partners, speakers, and participants for their active involvement and contribution to building stronger international cooperation in cultural security.
The full summary and the gallery you can find here: https://obmin.eu/conferences.php?id=5
During the opening, speakers emphasized that preserving culture is a shared European responsibility. Stefan Rössel (German Federal Foreign Office) reminded that “Ukrainian cultural heritage is also our heritage,” while Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev highlighted that protecting culture means safeguarding “not only material things, but also knowledge and memory.”
Four key themes shaped the discussions:
- the role of culture in national security frameworks,
- culture as a tool in hybrid warfare,
- illicit trafficking and displacement of cultural property, and
- protection of cultural heritage during wartime.
Dr. Oksana Lifantii (National Museum of the History of Ukraine) drew attention to the illegal excavations and looting of cultural sites in occupied territories, stressing the urgency of recognizing such acts as cultural crimes that threaten identity as much as heritage. Silke Krummel (Agency for International Museum Cooperation) added that “Cultural institutions tell the story of who we are — that’s why they must remain trusted spaces for learning and dialogue.”
The Forum concluded with a shared understanding that protecting culture means protecting democracy. A vivid and engaged discussion from the audience showed how vital and necessary these conversations are today.
Many thanks to all partners, speakers, and participants for their active involvement and contribution to building stronger international cooperation in cultural security.
The full summary and the gallery you can find here: https://obmin.eu/conferences.php?id=5
