ASCE President at the all-Slovenian Cultural Routes meeting

On October 10, 2024, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, participated at the all-Slovenian meeting of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, organized by the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor.

34th Days of European Cultural Heritage

Between September 28 and October 12, 2024, a series of events took place in numerous locations throughout Slovenia and its neighboring regions as part of the 34th Days of European Cultural Heritage and the 12th Cultural Heritage Week. This year's theme was "Heritage of Cultural Routes, Networking, and Connections."

Roundtable discussion: Connecting for Peace and Intercultural Cooperation

As part of these events, the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor, a member of the Academic Network of Cultural Routes, organized an all-Slovenian meeting of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. This event was held on October 10, 2024, in Ljubljana, and featured a roundtable discussion titled "Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe – Connecting for Peace and Intercultural Cooperation." The meeting was also intended for discussions about the knowledge and competencies needed for cultural and thematic routes in Slovenia.

At the round table, Mrs Irena Marš from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia was joined by representatives of two Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe coordinated from Slovenia: Mrs Lidija Pliberšek from the European Cemeteries Route, and Mrs Andreja Rihter from the Women Writers' Route. The fourth participant was Mr Edvard Kovač, representing the Saint Martin of Tours Route, the first Slovenian route to receive the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe certification.

You can find the official PR statement about the event (in Slovenian) at this LINK.

European Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe

Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), spoke about the importance of cemeteries in building peace. Military cemeteries play a central role in this by reminding us of the tragedies, horrors, and suffering caused by wars. Additionally, cemeteries serve as a reminder of equality in death, emphasizing the respect for diversity, and the European Cemeteries Route plays an active role in this context.

ASCE president also introduced the Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe initiative, launched by the Association in 2024 to support the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As part of the initiative, the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024 focused on environmental sustainability and climate change, with events and activities showcasing how cemeteries and visitors can contribute to reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, this project received the Best Practice Award 2024, granted by the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in September 2024.

Event highlights:

*The content is partially excerpted from the PR statement by Dr. Maja Turnšek.

A new chapter in preserving European cemetery heritage

Introductory thoughts of ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, at the beginning of a new 4-year mandate.

Dear members, partners, and supporters of ASCE,

I am extremely proud and grateful that, at this year's elections in Mantua, Italy, I was given the opportunity to continue the presidency of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe. The trust you have placed in me fills me with immense gratitude. It is a trust I do not take lightly, and I pledge to proceed serving our shared mission with persistent devotion.

Twenty years ago, we embarked on a journey that was then relatively unknown. United with the same goal - the protection and promotion of the cultural heritage resting within European cemeteries - we started with just seven founding members. Today, with immense pride, I can say that we have grown into an organization with 180 members, a result of the hard work, dedication, and passion of each individual member. Our journey has been long but astonishingly successful.

The development our organization has experienced during this period has been remarkable. We established a clear vision and strategy that has been honed and perfected over the years. One of the key changes we have achieved is the professional administrative management of the organization and the digitization of our processes. We realized that in order to succeed and grow, it was essential to keep pace with the trends of the digital age. Today, we can proudly boast of the professional and digital support that enables members to actively participate in projects and contribute to our common goal.

Throughout, we have strived to strengthen the relationship between the presidency and the members. In the past, many of us pondered what ASCE could offer them. Today, we have reached a point where our members are empowered. They no longer ask what the organization can do for them but instead question what they can do for ASCE shared mission.

Our passion and dedication have led us to a moment where we can leverage this recognition to make our broader environment and institutions contemplate what they can do to assist and collaborate with us in preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of European cemeteries. It is crucial for significant institutions, ministries, institutes, and others to integrate our mission into their operations. Our organization is prepared for this challenge, and with great optimism, I believe that together, we will fulfil our mission in the best possible way.

So, thank you for being part of this exceptional community. Thank you for your trust, dedication, and unwavering belief in what we do. May the next four years leave another important mark in the story of ASCE.

Lidija Pliberšek, M. Sc.
ASCE president

ASCE president at the Cultural Route Certificate Ceremony

ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, attended the Cultural Route Certificate Ceremony at the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.

On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, a ceremonial event was held in the small hall of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, at which the director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes, Stefano Dominioni, from Luxembourg, handed over the Council of Europe Cultural Route Certificate to the Women Writers Route.

On this occasion, the gathered were address by:

• dr. Andreja Rihter, president of the Cultural Tourist Association of the Women Writers Route,
• Tamara Vonta, president of the Committee for Culture of the Slovenian National Assembly and Head of the Delegation of the Slovenian National Assembly in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,
• Špela Spanžel, director general of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage of the Slovenian Ministry of Culture,
• M.Sc. Urška Klakočar Zupančič, president of the Slovenian National Assembly.

At the invitation of the organizers, M.Sc. Lidija Pliberšek, President of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe, which manages the European Cemeteries Route project, attended the event. 

The official part of the ceremony was followed by an informal social gathering where the guests had the opportunity to exchange valuable experiences, insights, and perspectives on cultural routes in Slovenia and their interconnectedness.

Insignia unveiling and peace tree planting at Kifissia Cemetery

From 6 to 8 September 2023, a series of special events that took place at the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia, Greece.

About the events

The Municipality of Kifissia (Greece) organised a series of special events that took place from 6 to 8 September 2023 to celebrate the inclusion of the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia in the European Cemeteries Route and joining the Peace tree project.

One of the main events was the ceremonial inauguration of the ASCE and European Cemeteries Route insignia at the cemetery's entrance. ASCE President, Lidija Pliberšek, and the Mayor of Kifissia, Georgios Thomakos, jointly unveiled the insignias, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries and key representatives of the city and the cemetery. This act symbolically marked the inclusion of the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia in the European Cemeteries Route and highlighted the town's dedication to preserving the cemetery's rich cultural heritage and historical legacy.

In addition, the Peace Tree Project, which started during the Week of  Discovering European Cemeteries 2023, took another step forward. Following the successful planting of peace trees in Maribor and Budapest, the Municipal Cemetery of Kifissia became the proud home of the third peace tree. The purpose of the project is to plant a "peace tree" in as many different European cemeteries as possible, serving as a reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation, while spreading the message “Live in peace to rest in peace!”.

Photos from the events:

Insights from the Certification Training Seminar in Luxembourg

ASCE president, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, unveiled the organizational journey of ASCE and European Cemeteries Route.

About the seminar

On Friday, June 30th, 2023, Mrs. Lidija Pliberšek, president of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), participated as a guest speaker in the Training Seminar for candidate routes applying for the "Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" certification held by the European Institute of Cultural Routes. This seminar served as a platform to introduce aspiring networks to the practical aspects of Cultural Routes, providing valuable support on their path towards certification within the 2023-2024 Certification Cycle.

Joining online, Mrs. Pliberšek eloquently bridged theory and practice, sharing valuable insights into operations of a certified Cultural Route. Shedding light on the European Cemeteries Route, showcasing its members, thematic focus, projects, and the countries involved, Mrs. Pliberšek discussed the challenges encountered, offering guidance, and highlighting the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for aspiring Cultural Route networks.

Role of ASCE and European Cemeteries Route

Participation in this seminar has served as an opportunity to reflect both on our work as representatives of cultural heritage of cemeteries across Europe, as much as our contribution to the development and growth of candidate networks, building an engaging and vibrant community of Cultural Routes. Through the European Cemeteries Route, ASCE continues to inspire and guide the dynamic community of certified Cultural Routes in Europe, facilitating cooperation, preserving heritage, and promoting sustainable cultural tourism throughout Europe.

ASCE president at a conference in Budapest

On 16 May 2023, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, attended the Engaged Authorities Conference for Jewish cemeteries in Budapest, Hungary.

About the Conference

The ESJF’s Conference, taking place in the Central European University in Budapest, focused on the role of Public Authorities in the care and management of Jewish cemeteries.

In a keynote speech, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, talked about the work and importance of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) and the European Cemeteries Route project.

Other conference participants were: Mr Philip Carmel (ESJF Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Paul Darby (researcher working with the Foundation for Jewish Heritage), Mr Ivan Pohorilyak (Mayor of Perechyn in Ukraine), Mr Avraham Yishai (Head of the Legal Center for Combating Antisemitism, IJL Association), Mrs Olena Kolb (Public Sector Liaison Ambassador, ESJF), Mrs Maria Baranyi (Coordinator for Hungary, ESJF), Mr Steven Reece Ph.D (The Matzevah Foundation, Fulbright Scholar), Mrs Sophie Pownall (Assitant Project Manager, ESJF, moderator), Mrs Alexandra Fishel (ESJF Educational projects officer), Mr Andrzey Jankowskyi (former Project Coordinator at GWŻ Warszawa), Dr. Pascale Falek (Policy Officer at the EU Commission, Office of the Coordinator on combating antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers) and Mrs Kateryna Malakhova, Ph.D (ESJF Historical Researcher).

Photos from the Conference

ASCE president at a seminar in Naples

On 14 March 2023, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, will attend an international seminar at the University of Naples in Italy.

About the seminar

The international seminar entitled “Rethinking lastscapes Perspective. Debate and Exchange” is one of the activities organized as part of the research conducted by the Department of Architecture of the University of Naples Federico II in Italy.

The research investigates the burial spaces in the contemporary city to identify, in relation to the changes brought about by new burial techniques, the need to save land in the changed urban, social, cultural and economic conditions, and the new possible roles and planning strategies for these places of memory that urgently need to be rethought today.

The seminar is intended to compare multiple points of view on the subject by calling to debate Italian and foreign experts in order to identify possible futures for these parts of the city.

Presentation of ASCE

ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, will attend the seminar as a guest speaker with a presentation on the meaning, mission, and development of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe.

Exhibition at the museum PAN

The seminar will be accompanied by an exhibition at the museum PAN, Palazzo delle Arti di Napoli, which will be open to the public for free until 14 March, and displays the work made on Poggioreale, the complex and challenging Neapolitan cemetery system, and on other international case studies that have been investigated in the context of the research.

Photos of the seminar

Main photo source: www.unsplash.com