Cultural Diplomacy
Greece attaches great importance to cultural diplomacy as an expression of the soft power of its foreign policy and as a means of bringing peoples together. The ecumenical nature of Greek culture and the global value of the Greek language constitute a strong asset and a means of promotion for Greece.
Bilateral Cultural Cooperation
Bilateral cultural agreements, the implementing programs for their execution, and memoranda of cooperation have long served as a crucial tool for cultural and educational diplomacy, strengthening the country’s international presence and creating a stable institutional framework for cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science, and research. Responsible for the drafting, negotiation, signing, and oversight of the implementation of the relevant bilateral cooperation frameworks is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the relevant ministries. Through this broad network of agreements, the exchange of knowledge and best practices is promoted, international networking is strengthened, and relationships of mutual understanding are fostered.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works closely and is in constant communication with the Ministry of Culture with the aim of jointly exploring and establishing the most appropriate framework for the systematic promotion of Greek culture and the Greek language.
The planned actions focus on a wide range of strategic priorities: the protection and repatriation of cultural property, the fight against the illicit trafficking of antiquities, the protection of cultural heritage from climate change, as well as the utilization of digital technology and artificial intelligence. In the field of education, the focus is on promoting the teaching and spreading of the Greek language, history, and culture, the internationalization of higher education through research programs, exchanges, and Chairs in Greek studies, scholarship programs, student mobility, the digital transformation of education, professional training and lifelong learning, as well as education for sustainable development.
At the same time, the signing of specialized Memoranda of Cooperation between public and private entities in Greece and third countries—including, among others, museums, cultural institutions, state archives, libraries, universities, and research centers—offers greater flexibility and targeted cooperation, with an emphasis on the exchange of expertise, the promotion of joint initiatives, and the promotion of cultural heritage.
International and Multilateral Cultural Cooperation
UNESCO
Greece attaches particular and enduring importance to the protection of cultural heritage, viewing it not only as an integral part of its identity, but also as a fundamental pillar of global cultural heritage. With a steadfast commitment to the principles of International Law and active participation in UNESCO’s work, our country plays a leading role in promoting policies, initiatives, and actions to safeguard and promote cultural heritage at an international level.
1. The Melina Mercouri Prize (Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes)
The Melina Mercouri Prize, UNESCO’s only purely cultural prize, was established in 1995 and re-established in 2019 with the full financial support of the Greek Government. The winner receives a substantial cash prize. The initiative is of particular importance, as Greece is funding a major international cultural prize, thereby enhancing its status in major international organizations. Furthermore, it highlights the multifaceted work of the Ministry of Culture, which is inspired by the legacy of Melina Mercouri and her vision for culture.
The Award is presented every two years and highlights outstanding examples of effective cultural landscape management on an international level, while also honoring individuals and organizations that offer innovative ideas and inspiration, contributing to the global effort to preserve cultural heritage.
2. Greece’s Participation in UNESCO Committees
Greece actively participates in all of UNESCO’s key intergovernmental committees related to the protection of cultural heritage, thereby strengthening its international presence, institutional role, and influence within the Organization.
3. The 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property
In May 2025, Greece was elected to the Intergovernmental Committee for the 2025–2029 term, further strengthening the international effort to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and facilitate its return to countries of origin. Our election further strengthens the country’s institutional role in the international effort to prevent and combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Among our many national and international initiatives to combat this scourge, we recently published the Greek Red List of Cultural Objects at Risk — the first list of its kind published by an EU member state — marking an important step toward stronger international protection mechanisms.
4. The 1954 Hague Convention and the 1999 Second Protocol on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict:
On December 2, Greece was elected with 79 votes out of a total of 85 to the Intergovernmental Committee of the Second Protocol, which is the only UNESCO body with a strong geopolitical dimension, as it addresses issues of cultural heritage protection in war-torn regions, such as Gaza and Ukraine.
5. Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation (ICPRCP)
Greece was elected in 2023 for the 2023–2027 term. This Committee serves as an important forum for dialogue on issues related to the return and restitution of cultural property, within which Greece’s longstanding request for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures is also discussed. Our country’s participation institutionally and politically strengthens the promotion of this long-standing request.
6. World Heritage Committee (2021–2025)
In 2025, Greece’s term came to an end, marked by an active and successful presence and substantive contributions. A significant milestone was the unanimous inscription of the Minoan Palace Complexes on the World Heritage List, during the 47th Session of the Committee in Paris, confirming the exceptional universal value of the Minoan heritage.
Forum of Ancient Civilizations
The Forum of Ancient Civilizations is a Greek initiative linked to the work of the UN and UNESCO, which aims to highlight a) the importance of ancient civilizations for humanity, b) the use of culture as a tool of smart and soft power, as well as c) the relationship between culture and sustainable economic development.
In addition to our country, participants include Armenia, Bolivia, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Peru, Cyprus, Mexico, and India (with observer status).
The Forum’s 1st Ministerial Conference was held in April 2017 in Athens. Greece assumed the Forum’s Presidency again in 2025. On December 12, 2025, following a joint invitation issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Culture, the 9th Ministerial Meeting was held in Athens, during which Cyprus was admitted as a full member and India participated for the first time as an observer.
Italy holds the Presidency of the Forum for 2026.
Cultural Diplomacy Institutions
European Cultural Delphi Centre (ECDC)
The European Cultural Delphi Centre is a Greek initiative under the auspices of the Council of Europe. It implements a wide range of cultural and educational activities and theater education seminars that connect classical heritage with the modern world. Its permanent activities include 1) the Delphic Dialogues and 2) the Delphic Academy of European Studies. It is overseen by the Ministry of Culture, with the participation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Useful links: https://eccd.gr/
Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice
The Venice Institute aims to promote Byzantine and post-Byzantine studies and Greek culture through the organization of international conferences. Furthermore, it manages a significant archival collection consisting of 2 million documents and artifacts from the 14th to the 20th centuries.
The “Digital Management of the Venice Archive” project makes the Institute’s historical holdings accessible to the international community. It also awards scholarships to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers for the study of the archives and libraries of Venice. The Institute operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Useful links: https://istitutoellenico.org/el/home-2/
European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs participates as a full member in the European Union National Institutes for Culture “EUNIC,” which implements European cultural policy in European and third countries. The Network, which includes the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Ministries of Culture of the EU member states as well as European Cultural Institutes, enables our Embassies and Consulates to participate in the core (clusters) worldwide, implementing a wide range of cultural and educational activities across the globe.
Useful links: https://eunic.eu/&https://clusters.eunic.eu/
Bilateral and International Educational Cooperation
Bilateral Educational Agreements, Programs, and Memoranda of Cooperation are a crucial tool for the practice of cultural diplomacy.
Cultural and educational relations fall under the broader concept of Public Diplomacy and are implemented through transnational educational initiatives, collaboration between public organizations and the civil society, and our country’s participation in European and international educational fora. The ultimate goal is to foster intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples.
In accordance with the strategic plan of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy for the promotion and spread of the Greek language abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fully supports the operation of Chairs and Departments of Classical, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Studies around the world, from the U.S. to Australia. In this context, it mobilises both Greek diaspora associations and Greek academics abroad to contribute to the organisation and promotion of various educational initiatives.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works closely with the competent Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, as well as with educational institutions such as the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), Study in Greece, the Center for the Greek Language, Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center -D.O.A.T.A.P (Hellenic NARIC), the Foreign Language Teaching Center of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (EKPA) and educational institutions in foreign countries, such as Fulbright, to shape educational policy and foster synergies between education, culture, and the economy.
USEFUL LINKS:
Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports
https://www.minedu.gov.gr/
State Scholarships Foundation (IKY)
https://www.iky.gr/
Study in Greece
https://studyingreece.edu.gr/
Center for the Greek Language (KEG)
https://greeklanguage.gr/
Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center - D.O.A.T.A.P https://www.doatap.gr/
Foreign Language Teaching Center of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
https://didaskaleio.uoa.gr/
Fulbright Foundation
https://www.fulbright.gr/el/