Naples Hosts First Mediterranean Culture Ministers Summit

The first Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Mediterranean concluded on June 17, 2022, at the Royal Palace in Naples, with delegations from 30 countries and 40 participants including NGOs and EU institutions. Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, and Venice Biennale curator Cecilia Alemani opened the two-day event. The conference produced a binding 12-page declaration aimed at fostering cultural diplomacy, protecting heritage from crises, combating illicit trafficking, addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing digitalization. Franceschini announced that Naples could become the first Mediterranean Capital of Culture, a rotating title to be awarded annually starting in 2023. The initiative builds on the Naples Process for ongoing ministerial dialogue. Participants included European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, ICOM President Alberto Garlandini, and representatives from Palestine, Israel, Finland, Jordan, Greece, and France. Di Maio framed the summit as a continuation of the 2021 G20, while Franceschini emphasized culture as a foundation for peace and prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean region, aligning with UN 2030 Agenda goals.