MCYS continues its partnership with the EU and UNDP on social cohesion through cultural heritage initiatives in Kosovo

18.06.2021

The Ministry for Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), together with the EU (EU) Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP), the EU office in Kosovo and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo, launched the EU-funded “Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Intercommunity Dialogue and Social Cohesion”.

Minister Hajrulla Çeku, Mr. Tomáš Szunyog, EU Special Representative, Mr. Asier Santillan Luzuriaga, Attaché – Crisis Response Officer, EU IcSP, Mr. Niels Knudsen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, were present today at the event in the Ministry and marked the continued cooperation on the cultural heritage initiatives in Kosovo aiming at building the trust between the communities in Kosovo, promoting dialogue and understanding, and fostering a sense of shared ownership of Kosovo’s rich cultural heritage among all communities.

Minister Çeku emphasized the importance of such a programme:” Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Intercommunity Dialogue and Social Cohesion”
Our cultural heritage is universal, it brings people together, contributes to sustainable peace and economic revitalization. Our government will act firm in heritage protection as well oppose any attempt to use heritage as disruptive factor among communities. We are grateful to our partners, the EU and UNDP for such a wisely designed program that connects heritage and cohesion. We are particularly happy that the program respects cultural diversity of our country through restoration of mosques, orthodox churches, catholic churches, tekkes, kullas, traditional houses, cemeteries, museums and public sites.

EU Special Representative in Kosovo Mr. Tomas Szunyog on this occasion talked about the importance of this project, its social purpose and the joining of forces for cultural heritage to serve among communities. He also reiterated the continued support that the EU will provide in this regard.

“Cultural heritage is one of the key factors in bringing people together, therefore implementation of such a project requires lot of work in the field and work with people of Kosovo. Mr. Niels Knudsen, UNDP Deputy Representative said. “We look forward to be part of this exciting yet complex project which will ultimately benefit the people of Kosovo.”

Special guest on the event was Mr. Asier Santillan Luzuriaga, Attaché – Crisis Response Officer, EU IcSP explaining the importance of nourishing cultural heritage and cultural diversity.

Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Intercommunity Dialogue and Social Cohesion project is funded by European Commission’s Instrument Contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) and will be implemented in selected municipalities across Kosovo. The EU contribution is 2 million Euros.

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