Athens, 28 April 2023 (MIA) – Our culture is more than just our past, it is also our future. This was one of the main messages at the panel discussion within the Delphi Economic Forum, dedicated to the cultural heritage of the countries of the Western Balkans on their way to the EU, MIA reports from Athens.

Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska-Stojchevska was also meant to attend the panel discussion, but she was unable to be in Delphi due to health reasons, and her advisor Olivera Livrinikj read her speech on her behalf.

In the speech, she emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and cooperation between the countries of the region, pointing out that the Balkans is called “the crossroads of civilizations” for good reason, and she also mentioned the initiatives for the exchange of experiences and information.

“When you open a window for cultural cooperation for the countries of the Western Balkans, you are also helping them overcome the barriers for regional connection and building the capacity for mutual cooperation, you are opening the door for the great potential that culture in this part of Europe has as well,” the Minister of Culture said.

Cultural heritage is a key resource to shape our European identity, a resource without which economic growth is pointless, she added.

“If the beginning of television in the world created a ‘global village’, then the fact that climate change leads us towards ‘global disappearance’ is concerning. That’s why the action to preserve cultural heritage is also an action to save our joint house. Working on this awareness, to me, is the most noble job at this moment,” Kostadinovska-Stojchevska said.

Photo: MIA