“Culture improves the quality of our lives and increases the overall well-being of both individuals and communities. Health care, social care and education have long been recognized as universal public goods. Now is the time to move forward. Culture is a universal public good. It is our duty as Ministers of Culture to ensure that this is confirmed and that culture is included in the UN’s post-2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. as a separate specific goal”, said S. <a href="https://www.archyde.com/cultural-capital-kaunas-in-lithuania-a-city-is-looking-for-its-myth/" title="Cultural capital Kaunas in Lithuania: A city is looking for its myth”>Kairys at an informal meeting of EU culture ministers.
The minister noted that Lithuania started to turn on this path in 2020, when the ten-year National Progress Plan was adopted. A separate strategic goal was dedicated to culture, and synergies between culture and other public policy areas were outlined. The added value of culture in increasing social integration, cohesion and competitiveness was recognised. As an example, S. Kairys mentioned the Social Prescription project, which is being implemented, according to which seniors with mild symptoms of anxiety or depression are given the opportunity to visit cultural institutions and thus improve their mental health.
Speaking at the next session of the meeting, dedicated to the harmonious management of cultural heritage, Minister S. Kairys noted that Lithuania is choosing a strategic direction to invest more in cultural heritage. According to the Minister of Culture, greater attention to this area and better funding opens the door to community involvement, dialogue and awareness raising. The European Heritage Label and UNESCO are two catalysts that unite local communities and inspire people to love their heritage and preserve it for future generations. Such an example is the modernism of Kaunas, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List last week.
S. Kairys also emphasized that we live in a Europe united by common values and destiny, therefore the loss of the cultural heritage and landscape of one country is the loss of all of us. “All of us are given an opportunity to open our hearts and reach out to Ukraine to help it rebuild and recover from Russian aggression. The restoration of cultural infrastructure must be included in the goals of aid to Ukraine,” said the minister.
At the end of the meeting of the EU Ministers of Culture, the Cáceres Declaration was adopted, supporting the fact that culture should be placed at the highest level of politics and considered the most important universal good. The declaration declares that culture is a right of citizens, which is the duty of the authorities and every individual to protect it.
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#Kairys #culture #included #United #Nations #sustainable #development #agenda
**Interview with Minister S. Kairys on Culture as a Universal Public Good**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Kairys. You recently spoke about culture’s role as a universal public good. Can you elaborate on why you believe culture deserves this status alongside health care and education?
**Minister Kairys:** Thank you for having me. I firmly believe that culture enriches our lives and enhances the well-being of individuals and communities alike. Just as health care and education are fundamental to a thriving society, culture plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, integration, and individual growth. It is time we recognize culture as a universal public good in the post-2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, ensuring that it is prioritized alongside other essential services.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Lithuania’s National Progress Plan adopted in 2020. How does this plan specifically address the importance of culture?
**Minister Kairys:** The National Progress Plan includes a dedicated strategic goal for culture, emphasizing its integration with other public policy areas. We aim to highlight the added value of culture in promoting social integration and competitiveness. For example, our Social Prescription project allows seniors experiencing mild anxiety or depression to visit cultural institutions, which has shown significant benefits for their mental health.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a meaningful initiative. Can you tell us more about your plans for cultural heritage and community involvement in Lithuania?
**Minister Kairys:** Certainly! Our strategic direction focuses on increasing investment in cultural heritage. We’re committed to better funding and support for this sector, which we believe will enhance community involvement and foster dialogue. Initiatives like the European Heritage Label and collaboration with UNESCO serve as catalysts for raising awareness and engaging the public with our rich cultural heritage.
**Interviewer:** As you advocate for these changes at the European level, what response have you received from other EU culture ministers?
**Minister Kairys:** There is a growing recognition among EU culture ministers of the need to prioritize culture in our policies. Many share the vision that culture binds communities together and contributes to overall well-being. We are engaging in meaningful discussions to ensure that culture gains the prominence it deserves in shaping our future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Kairys, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that culture holds a pivotal role in our lives and societies.
**Minister Kairys:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital issue. Together, we can prioritize culture as a fundamental part of our development strategy.
Expand on how investing in cultural heritage can lead to community engagement and awareness?
**Minister Kairys:** Absolutely. Investing in cultural heritage not only preserves our history but also fosters a sense of identity and belonging among communities. When we prioritize funding for cultural projects, it creates opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among local residents. For instance, initiatives like the European Heritage Label and UNESCO recognition motivate local communities to take pride in their heritage, engage in preservation efforts, and inspire future generations. The recent inscription of Kaunas’ modernism on the UNESCO World Heritage List is a prime example of how such recognition can galvanize community involvement and appreciation for our shared cultural legacy.
**Interviewer:** You also mentioned the importance of supporting Ukraine in rebuilding its cultural infrastructure post-aggression. Why do you think this is vital for the European community?
**Minister Kairys:** The loss of cultural heritage and landscapes in any one country reverberates across Europe. Our cultural identities are interwoven, and when Ukraine suffers, we all feel the impact. Supporting Ukraine in restoring its cultural infrastructure is not only a matter of humanitarian aid, but also a collective responsibility as members of a united Europe. By helping Ukraine preserve its cultural treasures, we’re reaffirming our commitment to shared values and heritage that define us as a community. This assistance should be prioritized within the broader goals of post-conflict aid.
**Interviewer:** the Cáceres Declaration emphasizes the need for culture to be a fundamental right of citizens. What steps do you envision to ensure this becomes a reality?
**Minister Kairys:** The Cáceres Declaration is significant as it advocates for culture to be recognized as a universal good that must be protected. To ensure this, we need to foster collaboration among governments, cultural institutions, and communities to create policies that guarantee access to cultural experiences for all citizens. This includes ensuring that cultural activities, education, and resources are equitable and widely available. It is our duty to protect and promote cultural rights, not just for the current generation but for generations to come. By doing so, we strengthen our societal fabric and ensure a more inclusive, vibrant European cultural landscape.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Kairys, for sharing your insights on the importance of culture as a universal public good.
**Minister Kairys:** Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure to discuss these vital issues.
