Intercultural Encounters on Maritime, River and Lake Routes of South-East Europe

From 14-06-2008 to 17-06-2008 (Greece) 

The links between water and culture lie in a variety of tangible and intangible activities that often embody the collective memory and wisdom of a society. These links find expression in songs, poems, paintings, myths and proverbs, as well as in the linguistic and artistic expressions that shape value systems, development and technical know-how. Understanding and nurturing them is a fundamental requirement for harmony and peace between peoples.

It is for this reason that the Heads of State of South-East European countries, in their longstanding collective resolve to overcome strife and reach mutual understanding through
cooperation on cultural issues, chose the theme Intercultural Encounters on Maritime, River and Lake Routes in South-East Europe for their sixth summit, following a High-Level Conference on Strengthening Cooperation in South-East Europe organized at UNESCO Headquarters in April 2002.