Minister Talvitie to attend meeting of EU ministers of culture in Cyprus
Minister of Science and Culture Mari-Leena Talvitie will attend an informal meeting of EU ministers of culture in Lefkosia on 1–2 June. At the meeting, the EU ministers of culture will discuss safeguarding cultural rights in the digital era and preventing the illicit export of cultural goods. The themes have links to both the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the increasingly tense security situation.
The meeting and its discussions take place at a time when culture is simultaneously under technological, geopolitical and societal pressure. The ministers will examine ways to strengthen the role of culture as part of social stability in a democratic society.
The first session of the meeting deals with cultural rights and their realisation, especially in the digital environment. Cultural rights are human rights that comprise the right to participate in cultural life and express oneself through art, for example.
“Cultural rights are at the heart of democracy. In the digital transformation, it is essential to ensure that opportunities to create and participate in culture are preserved also in the age of artificial intelligence,” Minister Talvitie says.
The ministers will also discuss the impacts of artificial intelligence on creative work, authorship and compensations. The aim is to ensure that technological advances support human-centred and content-rich cultural and creative industries.
Protection of cultural heritage and prevention of illicit trafficking
The second session will address threats to cultural heritage, especially in the context of conflicts and instability, and ways to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural goods at national, European and international level.
Finland has strengthened cooperation between the relevant authorities and is actively involved in international cooperation to protect cultural heritage.
“Cultural heritage is particularly vulnerable to crises, as Russia's repeated attacks on cultural heritage sites in Ukraine show. International cooperation is essential to effectively prevent illicit trafficking and the related crime,” Minister Talvitie says.
The ministers will also discuss the possibilities to use new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to identify and prevent illicit trafficking and to improve monitoring, especially in the online environment.
In addition to representatives of the EU Member States, representatives of Ukraine, Norway and Switzerland, for example, will attend the meeting.
Inquiries:
Requests for interviews with the Minister: Santeri Lohi, Special Adviser, tel. +358 44 259 8451
Kimmo Aulake, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 33 0067