On April 29, 2026, an important international symposium titled “Protecting Cultural Heritage – Learning from Ukraine” took place at the Bern Historical Museum. The event was dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage under wartime conditions.

The symposium brought together experts from Ukraine and Switzerland, as well as representatives of the museum community, government institutions, and international organizations. The aim was to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and develop practical solutions for protecting cultural assets in times of crisis.

Particular attention was given to Ukraine’s experience in dealing with the destruction of cultural heritage as a result of Russian aggression. To date, more than 1,700 cultural heritage sites and over 2,500 cultural infrastructure facilities have been damaged or destroyed, including museums, theaters, libraries, and historical and cultural monuments.

In her speech, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Switzerland, Iryna Venediktova, emphasized that this war is not only a struggle for territory, but also a systematic attack on Ukrainian identity, culture, and historical memory. At the same time, Ukraine is not only defending itself but also developing new approaches to protecting cultural heritage that are relevant for all of Europe.

We express our sincere gratitude to the organizers — the Bern Historical Museum and the Ukraine Culture Network — for their excellent organization, professionalism, and for creating a platform for meaningful international dialogue.

Special thanks go to Switzerland for its consistent support of Ukraine, as well as to international partners, in particular the ALIPH Foundation, for supporting this important initiative.

We thank all participants — Ukrainian and international experts, researchers, and representatives of cultural institutions and public authorities — for their contribution to the shared mission of protecting cultural heritage.

Today, more than ever, it is clear: protecting cultural heritage is not only about preserving the past. It is about safeguarding truth, identity, and the future.