Since February 2022, 116 Ukrainian and foreign journalists have died in Ukraine, 18 of them while on duty. At least 26 civilian Ukrainian media workers and one journalist are in Russian captivity.
The Black Forest Clock Association, which unites over 50 manufacturers, dealers, and collectors, has applied for UNESCO cultural heritage status for the cuckoo clock. This move is aimed at protecting the 175-year-old tradition and symbolism of the Black Forest, as the market is weakening and some businesses have already closed.
UNESCO has added two Ukrainian events to its Calendar of Anniversaries 2026–2027. These are the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra reserve and the 150th anniversary of the birth of the composer Mykola Leontovych.
Belarusian diplomat Yury Ambrazevich is holding meetings with representatives of European countries, trying to resume dialogue with the West. This is happening against the backdrop of intensified contacts between the US and Belarus.
The Ministry of Culture plans to expand the range of paid services offered by nature reserves and museums to attract funds for the preservation of monuments. The government will also support projects that promote Ukrainian cultural heritage, particularly through international cooperation with UNESCO and the EU.
On October 14, the UNESCO Executive Board adopted a new decision regarding the emergency aid program for Ukraine. The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned Russian aggression.
The UNESCO Executive Board has decided to continue monitoring the situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. The UNESCO Director-General's report confirms a significant deterioration of the situation on the peninsula, including the destruction of cultural heritage and human rights violations.
Australia handed over illegally exported archaeological artifacts to Ukraine, including a temporal pendant and an arrowhead. These unique objects, confiscated in Australia, will take their rightful place in the exhibition of one of Ukraine's museums.
October 5 marks Ukraine's Territorial Defense Day and World Teachers' Day. Also on this day, World Meningitis Day, the City Days of Zaporizhzhia and Chernivtsi are celebrated, and believers honor the memory of the martyr Kharitina.
Education Workers' Day in Ukraine has been celebrated on the first Sunday of October since 1994. This holiday coincides with World Teachers' Day, which is celebrated on October 5 at the initiative of UNESCO. Traditional gifts include flowers and sweets, but eco-friendly options and practical gifts are also popular.
September 28 marks World Retina Health Day, International Right to Know Day, All-Ukrainian Preschool Day, and International Day of the Deaf. Orthodox Christians honor the Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of Kyiv-Pechersk, who rest in the Near Caves.
The outstanding Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, known for her roles in over a hundred films, died in Nemours, France, at the age of 87. She gained international popularity after the films "8 1/2" and "The Leopard", and was also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Over 1,400 tourists have been evacuated from the Machu Picchu area in Peru after locals blocked railway connections. Around 900 visitors remain stranded due to protests against delays in selecting a new bus operator.
September 8 marks the International Day of Journalists' Solidarity, dedicated to unity and the fight for freedom of speech, as well as International Literacy Day, established by UNESCO to draw attention to the problem of illiteracy. Also on this day, Apology Day, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses Day, the folk holiday Rozhanytsia, and Christians celebrate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the UN Resident Coordinator, Mathias Schmale, agreed to intensify joint projects. Cooperation is focused on investigating international crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
On August 23, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the State Flag and Kharkiv City Day. Also today is International Blind Dog Day, European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism, and International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Large-scale forest fires have engulfed Albania and Montenegro, claiming the lives of two people. Hundreds of coastal residents were forced to leave their homes.
Southern Europe is suffering from record heat and large-scale forest fires, which have led to the evacuation of hundreds of people. The fire has reached UNESCO World Heritage sites, and scientists warn of uncontrolled conditions.
Strong fires in Castile and León, Spain, have forced the evacuation of 1,650 residents, including from the UNESCO site of Las Médulas. The fire is spreading due to strong winds, and rescuers are working on five fronts.
The iconic Mosque-Cathedral in Cordoba, a UNESCO heritage site, has been damaged by a large fire. The fire likely originated from a short circuit in an electric sweeping machine, spreading to the roof.
Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, appealed to UNESCO after a massive missile attack on Odesa, which damaged seven cultural heritage sites in the city's historic center. Among the damaged sites are four architectural monuments of national significance, including the Vorontsov Palace and the Londonska Hotel.
In Odesa, as a result of a massive missile attack by the Russian Federation, 7 cultural heritage sites were damaged, 4 of which are monuments of national significance. These sites are located in the historic city center, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
As a result of night drone and missile attacks on Odesa and Cherkasy, 11 people were injured, including a child. In Odesa, residential buildings, the Pryvoz market, and UNESCO-protected architectural sites were damaged, while in Cherkasy, residential infrastructure and cars were affected.
Odesa suffered a massive attack by ударними drones, which led to damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, shopping pavilions, gas stations, and architectural monuments in the historic city center, which is protected by UNESCO. Information regarding casualties is being clarified, and emergency services are eliminating the consequences.
The United States announced its withdrawal from UNESCO, citing that the organization has deviated from its founding mission. The US and Israel had already announced their withdrawal in 2017 during Donald Trump's presidency.
Donald Trump has decided to withdraw the US from UNESCO due to its anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments, as well as an "unjustified" agenda. This decision was made after a 90-day review of America's presence in the organization.
Ukraine will introduce the position of ambassador to UNESCO for the first time. This decision was made in response to Russia's strikes on cultural heritage sites, which require enhanced protection and restoration.
The admission campaign to higher education institutions has started in Ukraine. The cost of contract education at leading universities, including KNU, LNU, KhNU, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and others, has been published.
The number of schoolchildren in Ukraine has reached its lowest level in 30 years, due to the mass departure of high school students abroad. It is estimated that up to 720,000 Ukrainian schoolchildren are currently outside the country.
Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov was rude to a serviceman who asked him about the monument to Alexander Pushkin. Trukhanov replied: "Why aren't you in the trenches?" to a question about an adherent of the Russian world.
