A common goal: protecting cultural heritage
On 30 October 2025, the University of Wrocław and the International Centre for Training and Research on Cultural Heritage in Danger signed a cooperation agreement.
Joint educational activities, training, and exchange of information related to the protection, respect, and care of tangible heritage in the event of armed conflict and crisis situations are the main objectives of the agreement concluded in Wrocław.
– These activities result not only from the needs of the moment and the current geopolitical situation – says prof. Robert Olkiewicz, rector of the University of Wrocław. – But also from legal conditions.
Specifically, we are talking about the decision of the Minister of National Defense on the introduction of rules for cooperation between the Ministry of National Defense and non-governmental organizations and other social partners, as well as the cooperation agreement signed between the Minister of Culture and National Heritage and the Minister of National Defense.
The University of Wrocław and the Centre will cooperate in the development and implementation of, among other things, training programs to prepare both civilians and military personnel to carry out tasks in the area of cultural property protection in the event of armed conflict or crisis situations.
What does this mean in practice?
– Conducting analyses, research, and consultations in order to develop optimal solutions in the area of cultural property security and developing training programs for the protection of cultural heritage – lists płk. Karol Molka, director of the International Centre for Training and Research on Endangered Cultural Heritage.
The Center’s strategic goal is to ensure the safety and preservation of cultural heritage. Our experts, art historians, archaeologists, lawyers, and criminology specialists can help in this endeavor.
– We also intend to cooperate in the field of publishing, scientific and educational studies on the protection of cultural heritage – notes prof. Artur Błażejewski, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research.
– We want to support the Centre in organizing and conducting training courses on the protection of cultural property – adds prof. Maciej Trzciński, archaeologist and lawyer at the FLAE UWr.
The importance of knowledge and practical skills related to the protection of cultural property is demonstrated by current conflicts. Armed actions that destroy the social fabric affect all its layers. The destruction of cultural works, theft, and sometimes simple ignorance lead to irretrievable losses.
The head of the Department of Material Culture History at the University of Wrocław, prof. Jan Kęsik, also draws attention to contemporary realities and the protection of historical objects. – We often forget that these objects will no longer fulfill their original functions and that we need to find a new purpose for them so that they are not destroyed.
The multifaceted nature of the protection of cultural heritage and monuments is also important in another context. The importance of analyzing the situation, discussion, and academic debate cannot be overestimated. – It is important to disseminate scientific knowledge and the academic community’s position on current events in various contexts – adds dr Paweł Wróblewski from the Institute of Philosophy at the University of Wrocław.
Complied by Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz
Date of publication: 30.10.2025
Added by: M.J.
