May 29, 2026
Cyprus | Nicosia

 
The European Heritage Policy Agora 2026 “Mare Nostrum: Championing Environmental Sustainability through Heritage” will be held on 29 May (09:00–11:30 CEST / 10:00–12:30 EEST) at CYENS – Centre of Excellence, former Municipal Market of Nicosia.

The Agora will explore how cultural heritage can drive sustainable development across the Mediterranean. By highlighting projects, this event will show how initiatives linking cultural and natural heritage strengthen climate action, boost the resilience of the heritage ecosystem, and promote inclusive communities.

This year’s Agora will foster dialogue among heritage professionals, environmental experts, and policy actors to better align cultural, climate, and environmental strategies of the European Union. The European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, will provide an address during the event.

By engaging communities and stakeholders, this event will encourage shared responsibility, regional cohesion, and community-led stewardship. It will reaffirm the Mediterranean as a space where heritage is a living and creative tool for sustainability, partnership, and resilient futures.

The Agora is organised within the framework of the EU-funded Europa Nostra Heritage Agora project and has the support of the Cultural Protection Fund of the British Council, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. 

The Agora is held in the frame of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026, taking place from 26 to 30 May in the capital city of Cyprus. The Summit, organised by Europa Nostra in cooperation with the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Nicosia, is held under the patronage of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, and has the support of the European Union. Under the motto “Heritage as the Soul of Mare Nostrum”, the Nicosia Summit will highlight the (geo)political, societal, economic and environmental relevance of cultural heritage for Europe and the wider Mediterranean. 

For the Summit Programme, please check www.europanostra.org/european-heritage-summit.