The 15th Advisory Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe took place in Yerevan, Republic of Armenia, from 23 to 25 September 2026, bringing together more than 250 participants from across Europe and beyond to explore the role of education in safeguarding, interpreting and transmitting cultural heritage.
Through policy dialogue, thematic sessions and interactive workshops, participants addressed key dimensions of education for sustainable heritage, including cultural and educational ecosystems, digital tools, formal and non-formal learning, accessibility, lifelong learning and learning through travel.
Across three days of dialogue and exchange of practices, one central message emerged: education should become a stronger and more systematic dimension of sustainable heritage management and of the programme of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
A central feature of this year’s Forum was a series of interactive breakout sessions, enabling participants to exchange experiences and translate the discussions into practical proposals. The sessions highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between Cultural Routes and the education sector, better sharing of practices and resources, and more sustainable and inclusive approaches to heritage education.
The Forum also looked towards the future of the Cultural Routes Programme, with a dedicated panel bringing together its different stakeholders to reflect on how to build a stronger and better Programme. Discussions focused in particular on better representativeness and meaningful youth participation, and on how young people can play a greater role in shaping the future of the Programme.
The conclusions of the Forum highlight key priorities for future action, including stronger cooperation, greater inclusion and youth participation, and a more sustainable approach to heritage education.
The Forum also provided an opportunity to celebrate the continued growth and achievements of the Cultural Routes Programme. During the Opening Ceremony, the three Cultural Routes newly certified in 2026 – the European Paganini Route, the Singing Heritage Route and Via Querinissima – were officially welcomed into the Programme.
The Forum celebrated the 2026 Inspiring Practices Awards, showcasing outstanding initiatives and innovative approaches to heritage education and learning from across the Cultural Routes network.
Looking ahead, Spain was announced as the host of the 16th Advisory Forum in 2027, a year that will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme.
The Forum was co-organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA) and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia, in partnership with the European Institute of Cultural Routes, the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Armenia and the Foundation for the Development of Culture, with the support of the Municipality of Yerevan.
Forum presentations, pictures and recordings
Conclusions of the 15th Advisory Forum (coming soon)
