Romania is organising a Special Session focused on Culture and Heritage in the context of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe

In the context of the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and the 70th anniversary of the European Cultural Convention adoption, the Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape (CDCPP) was invited to convene its second meeting of this year, in Bucharest, between May 30th and 31st.

On the occasion of this double anniversary, the CDCPP Bureau meeting will exceptionally include, on May 30, a Special Session that will focus on Romania and the Council of Europe: Roles and goals for Culture and Heritage. The event was designed as a platform for dialogue on the importance of the Council of Europe’s policies, strategies and good practices in promoting the role of culture in a democratic society, while outlining the work that Romania, as a member state of the organisation, is undertaking to advance and implement its shared values and standards.

The event is organised under the auspices of the Romanian Ministry of Culture by the National Institute for Cultural Research and Training – Culturadata, whose General Manager, PhD Assoc. Prof. Carmen Croitoru, also holds the position of Vice-President of the CDCPP Bureau, in partnership with the National Institute of Heritage and the National Museum of Art – the venue of the meeting.

The Special Session will gather distinguished national and international keynote speakers: Mrs Raluca Turcan – Minister of Culture, Mr Sergiu Nistor – Presidential Advisor, and Mr Andrei Luca – Director for Cultural Diplomacy, Education and Science, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Terje Birkrem Hovland – Chair of the CDCPP Bureau and Mr Matjaž Gruden – Director for Democracy, Council of Europe.

The essential topics to be addressed include: Romania’s journey as a member of the Council of Europe, the importance of public policies in a democratic society, the European Heritage Days, the European Cultural Heritage Strategy for the 21^st century (Strategy 21), Cultural Routes and relevant case studies. The programme includes speeches, presentations and an open debate co-moderated by Francesc Pla – Culture and Heritage for Democracy Division, Council of Europe.

The meeting of the High Representatives of the Council of Europe, in Bucharest, is a unique opportunity to emphasize the Council of Europe’s positive impact on citizens’ daily lives and to highlight the essential role of culture and heritage in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

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The National Institute for Cultural Research and Training – Culturadata is the only national institute that has such goals as studying, researching and providing statistical data for the field of culture, as well as the ongoing training of those who choose a career in the occupational sector of culture.

The Council of Europe (CoE) is the continent’s leading human rights organisation. It includes 46 member states, 27 of which are members of the European Union. The Council has a crucial role in promoting democracy, protecting human rights and ensuring the application of the rule of law.

The Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape (CDCPP) is a specialised body within the Council of Europe whose main purpose is to oversee and coordinate activities related to cultural heritage, cultural diversity, as well as the protection and promotion of landscapes throughout Europe. The CDCPP plays a pivotal role in developing cultural heritage and landscape policies in Europe, ensuring that these valuable assets are protected and promoted for present and future generations.