Europeana has signed the Open Heritage Statement, a global call to action developed by more than 60 organisations across 25 countries in the Open Heritage Coalition. The Statement puts together guiding principles, that have been the center of dialogue and discussions for several years.
The aim of those guiding principles is to highlight barriers that keep heritage “locked away, affirms openness as a guiding principle and invites governments, organisations, and institutions to sign the Statement and adhere to a global policy that safeguards the public domain and the value it brings to society”.
The Open Heritage Statement is a global call for equitable access to public domain heritage in the digital environment. Europeana is a member of the Open Heritage Coalition (previously known as TAROCH), that is part of the Creative Commons Community. The Statement shall foster international dialogue on the need of open and equitable access to public domain heritage by linking to the UNESCO network.
If you want to support a future where everyone can access and work with our shared heritage, sign the Open Heritage Statement. You can also support this initiative as an Individual.
Visit the Statement’s website to learn more about its key elements and principles. There will also be Dialogue Event at UNESCO house on 29 April 2026, leaning into the question: How Can Equitable Access to Heritage Help Solve Global Challenges?
Unfortunately, this event has reached its capacity. You can still join the waiting list for a space at the event.
