“Culture is the glue of civilization that unites the mosaic of peoples of the Mediterranean”. Starting from culture to meet “means building bridges instead of building walls or digging trenches, it means producing hope and visions”, “culture is a vehicle for peace”. Thus the minister of culture Dario Franceschini inaugurated the works of the first summit of the ministers of culture of the Mediterranean in Naples. He did it by pushing on the fundamental role of art and culture in building peace.
Delegations from 30 countries in Naples
The conference (June 16-17) opened with three preparatory sessions dedicated to culture as a factor of peace and security, to culture as an element for sustainable growth and green transition and to culture in a world in transition. Technicians and experts from the delegations of 30 countries in the region worked together with the representatives of the international organizations in the sector to arrive at joint strategies and actions to protect and enhance culture, understood as a common good, and to launch the “Naples Initiative” for the cultural collaboration in the Mediterranean.
The strategic objectives
The three panels talked about the protection of cultural heritage from damage caused by international crises and illicit trafficking but also about the fight against climate change and the role of culture in sustainable development and in achieving the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Among the results to be aimed at, the establishment of new European Union programs dedicated to supporting culture in the Mediterranean on the basis of the strategic objectives of the New European Agenda for Culture and the New Agenda for the Mediterranean.
Final declaration on Friday afternoon
The ambition is to “find common tools” on pressing issues for the sector and beyond, from the trafficking of works of art to natural disasters, from climate change that endangers the heritage of our cities to wars that leave wounds even on jewels of art, which devastate works of identity that are the heritage of all. Themes that will then converge in the final declaration that will be signed on Friday afternoon at the end of the Plenary Session.
Draghi: dialogue between cultures serves peace
“Dialogue between different cultures is more important than ever in this historical moment of growing international tensions,” said Prime Minister Mario Draghi in a message of good wishes sent. Today’s event “offers the opportunity to reflect on how to transform the Mediterranean into a laboratory of peace and prosperity in the center of Europe” and support for cultural policies “is essential if we want to strengthen creative industries across the region, create new jobs and protect our common heritage ». “With this event, Italy confirms its commitment to guaranteeing the centrality of culture as an instrument of dialogue in the world” underlined the Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio speaking at the opening of the Conference. “It is the natural sequel – underlined Di Maio – of last year’s G20 in Rome”