Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Nicosia will host its award ceremony in June 2026, Europa Nosta Secretary General, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, said during the 1st Public Forum organised by the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Nicosia ‘Citizens’ Engagement in preserving Cultural Heritage’, held on Friday at the Cyprus Institute.
In his address, Professor Stavros Malas, President of the Cyprus Institute, spoke of the factors affecting the preservation of cultural heritage, such as climate change, lack of peace in the world and the region, as well as cultural degeneration. “Our cultural DNA is changing dramatically and very fast,” he pointed out.
In her address, Androula Vassiliou, Chair of the Nicosia Hub and Vice-President of Europa Nostra, said that citizens’ engagement is necessary for the preservation of cultural heritage, pointing to the need for greater involvement of youth in this process. She noted that collaboration among cultural heritage NGOs, governments and international organisations can amplify citizens’ efforts, adding that the media should help too.
On his part, John Beauchamp, on behalf of Krakow Heritage Hub, said that the Hub was founded in 2022 and that its current activities include the mapping of Heritage NGOs in Central Eastern Europe and dissemination of Polish and Ukrainian intangible heritage.
Lydia Karras, President of the Advisory Council of Athens Heritage Hub, President of Elliniki Etairia – Society for the Environment and Cultural Heritage, spoke about the activities of the Hub and its synergies with Turkey and countries of the Balkans and of Caucasus. ‘’Civil society has a role to play in the preservation of cultural heritage,’’ she stressed.
In his address, Patrick Calleja, Executive President of Din l-Art Ħelwa National Trust for Malta, outlined the actions of the Trust to preserve Malta’s cultural heritage.
On her part, Lama Abboud, Director of Turathuna Foundation in Syria, which was established in 2019, spoke about Syria’s cultural diversity as a result of the various peoples passing from the country. She also pointed out that the cultural heritage of Syria is still suffering from the conflict in the country, which started in 2011.
The forum included brief presentations from representatives of Award-winning European projects, who shared their experiences.
