As part of the Munich Security Conference, the Goethe-Institut and the British Council invite you to a discussion about the role cultural identity plays in Europe's security and how resilience can be strengthened through engagement and alliances. The Secretary General of the Goethe-Institut, Johannes Ebert, and the Chief Executive of the British Council, Scott McDonald, will discuss together with Ana Riaboshenko, co-founder of the Georgian initiative "Culture for Democracy", and other participants of the Security Conference. The event will take place on Sunday, February 16, from 9.30 to 11 a.m. at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof.
The recent protests in Georgia, the election results in the Republic of Moldova last year and the ongoing war in Ukraine illustrate the struggle for its own cultural identity and a rapprochement with Europe. Against the backdrop of a long history of foreign rule, the countries of Central Asia and the east of the EU, as well as in the Baltic States, are striving for greater independence and forging new alliances. This transformation represents both a challenge and an opportunity for European security, prompting the UK and Germany to deepen partnerships that strengthen regional resilience. Under the title "Resilient Roots: The Role of Culture in European Stability", experts at the Munich Security Conference will discuss how strengthening national and cultural identity can improve the reputation of countries and the security of Europe.
It is one of the few events within the framework of the Munich Security Conference with a focus on culture and is the second appearance of the Goethe-Institut and the British Council at the Munich Security Conference. As leading cultural institutions, the Goethe-Institut and the British Council are committed to artistic freedom and freedom of the press, open societies and democratic values worldwide.
Since the 1990s, the Goethe-Institut and the British Council have been active in the countries of Central Asia and the east of the EU, and the Baltic States, supporting local cultural and educational stakeholders. In doing so, they have always been interested in promoting independent partners and working together across borders. The internationalisation of the cultural scenes was supported by both cultural institutes, the critical return to cultural identities, and the confrontation with colonial power structures. This approach also represents a significant security policy component for Europe – not least against the background of the current developments in Georgia – which Johannes Ebert and Scott McDonald will present and discuss with Ana Riaboshenko at this year's Munich Security Conference.
With regard to the event, the Secretary General of the Goethe-Institut, Johannes Ebert, emphasised: 'Cultural relations and education policy also has an important security policy component: in a time of crisis, in which populist and nationalist narratives are becoming increasingly popular and aggression between states is increasing, cultural exchange and the promotion of culture can promote a sense of community, Strengthen the willingness to engage in dialogue and solidarity and mediate between people. The preservation of liberal values and the stability of Europe, therefore, also depend crucially on the promotion of culture and cultural exchange.'
The Georgian cultural manager Ana Riaboshenko opposes authoritarian tendencies in the country with her citizens' initiative 'Culture for Democracy'. The initiative published a "Declaration of Georgian Culture" in 2024, which is intended to serve as a blueprint for the fundamental reform of the cultural sector. At the event, Ana Riaboshenko said, 'For small countries like Georgia, which is located in a turbulent geopolitical zone marked by centuries of invasions and foreign political pressure, culture serves as a crucial element in preserving national identity. In light of recent events in which the entire government apparatus, including private media outlets, is working against freedom of expression and supporting misanthropic propaganda, cultural actors are trying to counter this through direct engagement in society and creative approaches that energise the protest movement.'
British Council Chief Executive Scott McDonald stressed:
‘Cultural exchange is a powerful tool for fostering resilience and stability across Europe. As we navigate complex geopolitical challenges, cultural relationships can build bridges between communities, strengthen democratic values, and support open dialogue. At the British Council, we believe collaboration across borders is essential to safeguarding a secure and prosperous future for Europe. I look forward to exploring these critical themes with our esteemed partners at the Munich Security Conference.’
The 61st Munich Security Conference will take place from 14 to 16 February, where politicians and security experts from all over the world will meet at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. In addition to the leading conference, a number of so-called side events will be organised, including this panel discussion.
The Goethe-Institut is the globally active cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. With currently 151 institutes in 98 countries, it promotes knowledge of the German language, fosters international cultural cooperation and conveys an up-to-date image of Germany. Through cooperation with partner institutions in numerous other locations, the Goethe-Institut has a total of around 1,000 contact points worldwide. www.goethe.de