CULTURE
Kyiv Initiative Regional Program: conference of culture ministers underway
Baku, May 27 (AZERTAC). The conference of the culture ministers of the Kyiv Initiative Regional Program is underway in Kyiv. As known, the Kyiv Initiative RP brings together five countries at the south-eastern edge of Europe. Their aim is to work with each other, in an era of post Soviet transition, to create democratic and engaged societies and rebuild trust and confidence across the region.
The Program focuses on five themes that both unite and characterize the participating countries - heritage management, film, the shaping of cultural policy, literature, wine culture and tourism exchange. Through a series of projects designed to encourage cross-border collaboration, the Kyiv Initiative enables the sharing of expertise and the development of competence and skills in both towns and the countryside.
The Kyiv Initiative aims to show the added value of coordinated and inter-disciplinary planning across a range of key functions, including heritage and environmental protection, tourism, cultural development, education and economic development. The result is a kaleidoscope of activity including vineyards and winemaking, contemporary and archival film, Alexander Dumas` journey through the Caucasus, and the restoration of historic town centers.
Each project promotes co-operation between national and local government and the public and private sector, while at the same time offering opportunities to draw upon the experience and practical knowledge of experts from other European countries. Public involvement and benefit is a key component, wherever this is possible.
Azerbaijan is represented by a delegation led by deputy culture and tourism minister Sevda Mammadaliyeva.
The Kyiv Initiative is funded by the Council of Europe, national and local governments and the private sector in the participating countries and the generous support of governments, trusts, foundations and business from elsewhere in Europe.