South-East Europe is a region of remarkable cultural diversity and rich historical significance. From ancient traditions to vibrant modern expressions, the many cultures of this region are a testament to human creativity, resilience, and identity.
The Council of Ministers of Culture of South-East Europe – Enhancing Culture for Sustainable Development (CoMoCoSEE) serves as the region’s central platform for cultural cooperation, bringing together 12 member countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, and Türkiye. Since the Council’s inception, UNESCO has supported regional cooperation process on culture, as an observer.
On 12 December 2025, the CoMoCoSEE convened its 9th ministerial meeting in Ohrid, North Macedonia, with UNESCO’s support. Ministers renewed their dedication to strengthening cultural collaboration on both multilateral and bilateral levels, stressing the key role of cultural diversity and arts education in fostering dialogue, improving neighbourly relations, and fostering better cohesion in the region, in the spirit of mutual understanding, respect, peace and stability.
This year’s meeting built on the outcomes of the MONDIACULT 2025 Conference, held under the motto ‘Unleashing the power of culture to achieve sustainable development’. In Ohrid, ministers focused on translating these global principles into regional action by defining ‘Sustainable Cultural Models for the Future’, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring the sustainability of culture and heritage.
In the spirit of this cooperation, let us recall the words of Nelson Mandela: ‘Culture is the strongest form of resistance, because it preserves human dignity.’ This thought reminds us that culture is not merely a reflection of the past, but a means through which we can strengthen our societies, enhance democracy, and reinforce the bridges between our peoples.
Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Republic of North Macedonia
Opening the conference, Minister Ljutkov noted: “In contexts marked by climate change, spatial degradation, and pressure from mass tourism, it becomes essential to apply integrated methodologies that connect scientific knowledge, professional practices, and modern technologies. Heritage protection, in this sense, is an act of strategic planning, but also an act of responsibility toward future generations.”
The CoMoCoSEE stressed the shared responsibility to shape a stable, inclusive region, capable of using its own cultural potential as a driver of development. A clear message emerged: the culture nurtured today will define the language through which our region expresses itself with mutual respect, trust, and vision.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Ohrid Declaration, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to advancing regional cooperation while preserving cultural diversity and heritage. Building on the MONDIACULT 2025 Outcome document, the Declaration highlights culture as a powerful enabler for cultural awareness and expression, inclusion, social cohesion, resilience, and peace, being therefore essential for the sustainable development of our societies.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/shared-future-regional-cooperation-prosperity-and-sustainable-development-south-east-europe
