UNESCO showcases the Lviv Culture Hub at the 2nd Ukraine Culture Conference in Lviv

More than 60 representatives of ministries from several countries and partners came together to discuss how international cooperation can emphasize culture’s contribution to resilience and recovery in situations of armed conflict. The conference also offered an opportunity to strengthen partnerships, coordinate support and exchange practical approaches to safeguarding and reinforcing Ukraine’s culture sector.

During the conference, UNESCO showcased the Lviv Culture Hub as a practical model for advancing partnerships in support of cultural recovery. The presentation was opened by Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine and Minister of Culture, followed by a keynote address from Ernest Urtasun Domènech, the Minister of Culture of Spain. Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine also delivered remarks on the significance of the Hub, along with Andriy Sadovyi, Mayor of Lviv.

Since its opening in 2025, the Hub has hosted and co-organized over 170 civil society events reaching over 4,500 participants. UNESCO and its partners also organized 13 training sessions, workshops and activities reaching over 850 heritage professionals and practitioners.

"Culture Hub is bringing international and national expertise for Ukraine—from Spain and other partner countries—to bolster the capacity of cultural professionals to respond effectively to the challenges of war and, ultimately, to rebuild stronger and more vibrant cultural institutions". - Chiara Dezzi Bardeschi, Head of the UNESCO Antenna in Ukraine

By bringing together public authorities, civil society organisations, cultural institutions and heritage practitioners, the Hub has established itself as a global epicentre of collective action grounded in a strong local–international synergy.

"Culture is not only a victim of war, it is also a source of resilience, dignity and hope. Through the Lviv Culture Hub, we see how international cooperation can help protect cultural life, strengthen professional capacities and support communities in shaping recovery and peace." - Ernest Urtasun Domènech, the Minister of Culture of Spain

The Hub was launched by UNESCO with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and in partnership with the Lviv City Council, the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the National Commission for UNESCO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Located in a historic building, the Lviv Culture Hub combines architectural heritage with contemporary cultural function. Its integrated approach positions the Hub as an unparalleled space and source of creativity for mobilising responses toward peace-building and recovery in Ukraine and beyond.

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Source: UNESCO

Photo by UNESCO / Bohdan Yemets