The bombing of Dubrovnik represents a tragic chapter in its history, but it is important to emphasize that such events must never be repeated, said Tamara Vujović, Minister of Culture and Media.
The Ministry of Culture and Media announced that Vujović, who is also the chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Culture of Southeast European Countries (CoMoCoSEE), opened the meeting of CoMoCoSEE in Herceg Novi, chaired by Montenegro.
The announcement adds that at the CoMoCoSEE meeting, it was said that since its establishment, CoMoCoSEE has been a testimony to the power of culture to unite communities and respond to common challenges, through numerous initiatives, declarations and frameworks of cooperation, and that CoMoCoSEE has strengthened the voice of Southeast Europe on the global stage. advocating for the preservation of cultural heritage, the development of creativity and the integration of culture into public policies.
The meeting was held under the theme "Culture and art for sustainable development", and as stated by the MKM, it brought together ministers of culture and other representatives of member countries, observers and representatives of international organizations.
"On the 33rd anniversary of the horrific destruction of the UNESCO-protected city of Dubrovnik in 1991, I want to talk about a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, which unfortunately suffered significant damage during recent wars. The bombing of Dubrovnik represents a tragic chapter in its history, but an important one. emphasize that such events must never be repeated. This tragedy should remind us how important it is to protect the cultural monuments and heritage that cities have acquired over the centuries," she pointed out. Vujović
She reminded that in the National Museum of Montenegro there is a photo of burning Dubrovnik with the following text: "On October 1, 1991, several thousand members of the regular troops of the JNA from the territory of Montenegro began an aggression against Dubrovnik and its surroundings. The attack on their compatriots and the city under under the protection of UNESO, it was fueled by the harsh manipulation of the public media. This senseless war represents one of the darkest sides of Montenegrin history."
"Today we gather to revive the dialogue among leaders in the field of culture, a dialogue that has been at a standstill since 2021. The Council of Ministers of Culture of Southeast Europe (CoMoCoSEE) plays a key role in promoting regional cooperation, strengthening cultural ties and presenting the vibrant cultural identity of this region to the world," Vujović pointed out when opening the event.
She added that this year's initiative, under the theme "Culture and art for sustainable development", reflects a common vision of integrating cultural and artistic education into wider social and educational frameworks.
"By placing culture at the heart of our educational systems, we ensure its preservation and development, enabling it to respond to contemporary social challenges," said Vujović.
She stated that this gathering is not aimed at solving current challenges or celebrating past achievements, but rather about a vision of the future in which culture stands as the foundation of peace, development and prosperity.
"Let us take this opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to these ideals, turning them into actions that will resonate for generations to come," she said.
Vujović emphasized the importance of the collective vision of CoMoCoSEE members.
"At its core, CoMoCoSEE reflects the collective vision of its members, not only to celebrate the diversity of our cultural landscapes, but also to use it as a driver of social unity, economic development and peace-building. Its affiliation with global organizations such as UNESCO, the Council of Europe and The European Union ensures that our region continues to make a significant contribution to shaping international cultural policy," Vujović said.
For the Minister of Culture and Media, the influence of CoMoCoSEE goes beyond the creation of policies.
"In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, be it conflicts, economic instability or environmental crises, our common commitment to culture as a unifying force is more important than ever," Vujović said.
In her address during the ministerial meeting, Vujović said that they are here to protect and preserve not only the cultural heritage of our countries, but also to overcome borders through cultural exchange.
"This exchange enriches our collective identity, celebrates diversity and fosters mutual understanding. Our common heritage is a treasure that belongs to everyone and unites us beyond geographical and political divisions," said Vujović.
She recalled the UNESCO frameworks and initiatives - from the Lisbon Conference in 2006 and the Seoul Agenda in 2010 to the recent Mondiacult in 2022 and the Abu Dhabi Framework, and added that as a continuation of the discussions started in Abu Dhabi, they want to focus on the transformative role of art and culture in education as a basis for sustainable, inclusive and just societies.
"In Montenegro, we adopt these principles through the development of programs that connect culture and education," stated Vujović.
She said that the planned National Art Education Program will connect cultural institutions with schools, ensuring that children and young people have access to cultural content that enriches their understanding of history, heritage and art.
The minister also presented educational programs in the field of culture that are already implemented in Montenegro in cooperation with cultural institutions, and added that the Ministry of Culture and Media is the financier of an interdisciplinary program at the University of Montenegro that trains future professionals in the field of conservation and restoration.
"We also invest in young talents, providing them with opportunities for education in the country and abroad, and support their professional development upon their return. This is not only a response to the brain drain affecting our region, but also a commitment to building a future where culture is the foundation of national and regional identity. However, education in itself is not enough. It is equally important to strengthen the awareness among professionals in the field of the importance of passing on their knowledge to younger generations," said Vujović.
Najden Todorov, Minister of Culture of Bulgaria, Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture of Moldova Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Culture of North Macedonia spoke at the meeting, among others, who presented examples of positive practice in their countries and models for improving cooperation in the region, so that culture and education in the field of culture contributed to sustainable development.
Magdalena Landri, director of the UNESCO regional office in Venice, also addressed the audience.
The Ambassador of Croatia, Veselko Grubišić, on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Media of that country, referred to the rich history of the region and pointed out the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
"Today we mark the 33rd anniversary of the destruction of UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik. This tragedy should remind us of our obligation to protect the heritage not only of our countries, but also of the entire global community," said the ambassador.
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation, Grubišić added that in times of peace, our biggest failure would be inaction, that regional and international cooperation is not just an option, it is a responsibility, and that platforms like CoMoCoSEE represent this responsibility, providing opportunities for building bridges, strengthening cooperation and ensuring that our shared heritage flourishes.
He said that these forums are not just words, they are a call to action, to turn shared values into significant, lasting changes.
Speaking about the importance of culture for future generations, the Croatian ambassador stated that culture is key in building sustainable societies.
"By investing in education and promotion of cultural values, we ensure that future generations not only inherit the wealth of our history, but also develop it in a way that strengthens social cohesion and peace," said Grubišić.
The MKM said that the meeting resulted in the adoption of the Hercegnov Declaration - "Culture and Art for Sustainable Development", which emphasized the key role of culture and art education in fostering inclusive and just societies, strengthening mutual understanding and promoting respect for cultural diversity, in accordance with The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations.
The press release states that at the end of the meeting, Vujović handed over the chairmanship of the Council of Culture Ministers of Southeast Europe to Ljutkova.
"CoMoCoSEE represents the most significant regional platform in the field of culture, which serves to exchange experiences, establish new, joint models of cooperation and harmonize the priorities of cultural policies. Today, this regional council gathers 12 countries, full members, two member states in the capacity of observers, as well as three international organizations also in the capacity of an observer," the statement concludes.
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