Finland and Ukraine to strengthen cooperation on protecting cultural heritage

Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie met Anastasiia Bondar, Ukraine's Deputy Minister for Digital Development, Digital Transformations and Digitalisation, in Helsinki on Thursday 22 October. At the meeting, Finland pledged to prepare for joining the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund (UCHF).

At the high-level political meeting, Ministers Talvitie and Bondar discussed long-term cooperation between Finland and Ukraine in the field of arts and culture. At the meeting, Finland pledged to join to the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund (UCHF). UCHF aims to protect Ukraine's cultural heritage and support the development of Ukrainian culture amid the destruction caused by the war.

The ministers also discussed cooperation between Finland and Ukraine in the areas of museums and digital cultural heritage within the framework of the EU Team Europe for Cultural Heritage in Ukraine. In addition, the Ministers exchanged views on possible topics and priorities related to security of supply and cultural resilience ahead of the high-level Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Tallinn in January 2027.

- Finland will support Ukraine for as long as necessary. Culture brings people together, fosters a sense of community and helps people process difficult experiences. This is particularly important in times of crisis and war. Strengthening preparedness and building psychological resilience requires planning, extensive discussions and practical measures. These meetings with Ukrainians will help build cooperation between Finland and Ukraine in the field of arts and culture,” Minister Talvitie says.

In connection with the meeting, the themes of cultural heritage and resilience in times of crisis were also discussed at a cooperation seminar entitled ”Culture in Times of Preparedness and Recovery”. The event brought together around 40 invited participants from Finland, Ukraine and the Baltic Sea region.