Over several days, city delegates, cultural leaders, and politicians convened to discuss how culture can unify communities in the face of global challenges. The summit marked Amsterdam's 750th anniversary under the theme "Together Stronger: Culture in a Changing World."
The event attracted over 200 representatives from the cultural sector, including artists, curators, and managers, providing a significant platform for professional exchange.
Kyiv was represented by city council member Victoria Mukha, chair of the culture committee, and Sergei Anzhiyak, director of the culture department.
Victoria Mukha stated, "Kyiv is participating in the World Cities Culture Forum for the third time, and it's a great honor for us to be part of such a community. Each year, the summit raises the most pressing issues of our time, from the sustainability of cultural institutions to the role of art in societal healing. These events allow Kyiv to learn about successful practices and innovative solutions from leading cities."
According to her, the format of meetings, discussions, and workshops allows not only for valuable experience exchange but also for attracting the attention of the international community to contemporary challenges facing Ukraine.
"Delegates from various corners of the world show great interest in the Ukrainian experience, particularly in how culture aids society during healing and recovery. Today, culture in Kyiv is not just leisure but also a form of support and a source of strength," she noted.
Kyiv representatives participated in various panel discussions addressing diverse aspects of cultural policy in modern cities. They discussed how to engage youth and support a new generation of cultural leaders, as well as how cities can reflect on the past through public art, monuments, and community initiatives to overcome divides and strengthen community unity.
Special attention was given to culture as a human right, ensuring access to the arts for all and finding ways to overcome barriers. Participants also discussed how culture transforms urban spaces, fosters cultural centers, and helps communities maintain a balance between tradition and new initiatives.
Furthermore, they touched on the impact of art on people's health and well-being, as well as the role of partnerships, cultural practices, and artificial intelligence in this sphere.
The Kyiv delegation also participated in the session "Cities Remember: Commemoration, Memorialization, and Identity" alongside representatives from Amsterdam, Warsaw, London, and New York. The discussion focused on how understanding the past helps communities bridge differences and form shared values.
Before the main summit, there was a separate meeting of cultural policy leaders from 19 European cities. European Commissioner for Culture Glenn Micallef presented new EU initiatives in the cultural and creative industries.
During the roundtable "Shaping the Future of Europe Through Culture," they discussed how cities can strengthen democracy, unity, and societal resilience through culture. Kyiv representatives shared their experiences in developing cultural policy and international partnerships amidst war.
"For Kyiv, participating in the World Cities Culture Summit is not just an exchange of experiences but also an opportunity to assert its place among the world's leading cultural capitals. We show that even in the toughest times, culture remains a driver of resilience and unity. Through our partnership within the World Cities Culture Forum, we are advancing international cooperation, shaping modern cultural policy, and enhancing the positive image of Ukraine's capital worldwide," emphasized Sergei Anzhiyak.
Kyiv's participation in the World Cities Culture Forum 2025 was made possible with the support of London and Amsterdam, as well as Bloomberg Philanthropies. The financial costs for the Ukrainian delegation's participation were covered by the organizers of the World Cities Culture Forum, Amsterdam, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
It is worth noting that Kyiv joined the global network of the World Cities Culture Forum in 2023. This network unites 49 creative cities from six continents and aims to recognize culture as a driving force for sustainable urban development.