Over the last twelve months, the headlines have been understandably dominated by responses to crises, both within and beyond our sectors. In recent weeks, however, they reveal a shift as leaders worldwide begin to find space to carve out strategies for improved futures, with many looking across sectors to ensure public investment in arts and culture yields the greatest possible social benefit.

This month marks the start of the UN International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, delivering on a resolution adopted in November 2019 which has redoubled significance in the wake of the pandemic.

We are pleased to announce that Daina Urbanavičienė – inaugural Chairwoman of the Lithuanian Council for Culture and IFACCA Board Member – has been appointed as Vice Minister of Culture for Lithuania. Ms Urbanavičienė started in her new role on Monday 5 January, which under the Federation’s Constitution concludes her tenure on the IFACCA Board. While we regret losing Ms Urbanavičienė from the Board, we warmly congratulate her on her appointment, thank her for her insightful contributions and service, and wish her every success in her new role.

Nos alegra anunciar que Daina Urbanavičienė –primera presidenta del Consejo Lituano de Cultura y miembro de la Junta de IFACCA– ha sido nombrada viceministra de Cultura de Lituania. Daina Urbanavičienė empezó el desempeño de sus nuevas funciones el lunes 5 de enero, fecha en la que concluye su mandato en la Junta de IFACCA, de acuerdo con la Constitución de la Federación. Lamentamos perder la aportación de Daina Urbanavičienė a la Junta y la felicitamos calurosamente por su nombramiento, le agradecemos su generosa dedicación al puesto y le deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en el nuevo cargo.

Thursday 10 December marks UN Human Rights Day which this year has the theme Recover Better, focussing on the essential role of human rights to recovery efforts that can tackle entrenched, systematic, and intergenerational inequalities, exclusion and discrimination.

In recent months, much focus has been understandably directed towards national needs and priorities, as governments respond to the pandemic and the particularities of their contexts. However, in recent weeks, the headlines highlight renewed commitments to intergovernmental cooperation and shared regional visions.