Ljubljana, 7 November 2009 – On the first day of the 'Ljubljana Conference – Rehabilitating our common heritage', more than 170 participants adopted the common 'Ljubljana Declaration: From Reconciliation towards Sustainable Socio-Economic Development'. By adopting the declaration, the participants confirmed their individual and joint responsibility for preserving and promoting the common European cultural heritage. Furthermore, they acknowledged the key role of heritage in the reconciliation and dialogue of cultures, social inclusion, environment protection, and regional and economic development. Cooperation between public and private institutions and organisations at both national and international levels, as well as the inclusion of civil society and non-governmental organisations as equal partners in heritage management, are of great importance for the rehabilitation of our common heritage.

 

Secretary General Jagland at the Ljubljana Conference (Photo: Andrej Križ)

 

Today, representatives of international organisations and expert associations, non-governmental organisations, ministries and other partners discussed individual projects relating to heritage protection. The discussion was aimed at exchanging experience, views and examples of good practice between all those involved in the preservation and protection of cultural heritage.

 

President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr Danilo Türk (Photo: Andrej Križ)

 

At a ministerial meeting, the ministers presented the major projects in South East Europe, the Black Sea beneficiaries and the South Caucasus beneficiaries, i.e. the restoration of Sarajevo Old City Hall, the project of Croatia's International Centre for Underwater Archaeology, Montenegro's initiative concerning Cetinje 2010-2014, Romania's project on cooperation between various regional programmes, and Georgia's activities in the field of cultural heritage within the Kyiv Initiative. The Azerbaijani minister described the 'Baku process' as regards intercultural dialogue, and the Macedonian minister summarised the priorities of the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

 

(Photo: Andrej Križ)

 

The presentation of projects proves that heritage preservation is a living process; it is not merely a cultural project, but also a political gesture. Heritage preservation as advocated by the Ljubljana Conference participants means that we are aware of our past, which profoundly influences our everyday lives, and that we are responsible for what we leave behind for future generations.

 

The Council of Ministers of Culture of South East Europe, currently chaired by the Montenegrin Minister of Culture, met at an extraordinary meeting. Slovenia applied for observer status, expressing its wish to take a more active role in South East Europe in the fields of culture and regional cooperation. The members will officially decide on this at the Council's regular session in April 2010 in Cetinje.

 

Ljubljana Declaration

 

Ljubjana Ministerial Statement PP2

 

Ljubljana Ministerial Statement SEE

 

More about the conference

 

The 'Ljubljana Process – Rehabilitating our Common Heritage' exhibition