Ministers of culture from the MED9 countries issued a joint declaration on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to upholding cultural rights in times of crisis.

The declaration was issued during an online meeting in the context of the MED9 summit held in Cyprus.

The MED9 initiative includes Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

The declaration was made during a hybrid conference on “Cultural Rights in Times of Crisis,” which emphasised the need to protect and promote cultural diversity and human rights in an era marked by political, economic, technological and environmental challenges.

The declaration stressed the political urgency of safeguarding cultural rights, particularly in the Euro-Mediterranean region as an important component of external relations.

The MED9 ministers affirmed they were committed to protecting cultural diversity and promoting intercultural dialogue. Special attention was given to the cultural rights of marginalised and vulnerable groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minorities indigenous peoples, migrants and refugees, people living in poverty, persons with physical, psychosocial and/or intellectual disability, children and older persons.

Artistic freedom was affirmed as a cultural right, with the MED9 countries pledging to guarantee this right for all.

The declaration also emphasised the integral role of culture in sustainable development and urged for its inclusion as a set alone goal in the post-2030 agenda.

Finally, the MED9 countries pledged to work together, as well as with other states and international organisations, to place cultural rights at the centre of global discussions on arts, cultural heritage, sustainable development, migration, sports and women’s rights.