Odesa
Ukraine
Odesa is a port city located in the southwest of Ukraine on the Black Sea coast. It is a key Ukrainian city, serving as an important transportation, logistics, industrial, scientific, cultural, and recreational center, and holding strategic significance for the region and the country.
The Historic Centre of Odesa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Odesa features more than 1,500 buildings, structures, and landscapes that are recognized as cultural heritage monuments of national and municipal significance. On January 25, 2023, the Historic Centre of Odesa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger and is currently considered endangered.
Since 2017, Odesa has participated in the Council of Europe’s “Intercultural Cities” (ICC) programme, implementing a new model for managing ethnocultural diversity and promoting the intercultural integration of migrants and national minorities into the social and cultural life of the city. The programme supports cities and regions in reviewing and adapting their policies through an intercultural lens, and in developing comprehensive intercultural strategies to manage diversity as a benefit for the whole society.
The city actively develops international partnerships: as of 2024, Odesa has signed cooperation, friendship, or partnership agreements with 23 sister cities and 16 partner cities.
Participation in the Council of Europe’s Intercultural Cities programme since 2017 has fostered modern models of cultural integration, the development of ethnocultural diversity, and dialogue among communities. Odesa also takes part in UNESCO’s “City of Literature” programme within the Creative Cities Network —highlighting its creative potential, contribution to global culture, and openness to international cultural ideas.
Today, Odesa is a blend of rich history, modern dynamism, and a unique atmosphere that attracts people from around the world.
Who represents the city
The organization representing Odesa in the Culture Next network is Pixelated Realities PO. Pixelated Realities acts as the coordinator for Odesa’s participation in Culture Next and implemented the project “Supporting the Implementation of the Odesa Cultural Development Strategy” in partnership with the Department of International Cooperation, Culture and Marketing of the Odesa City Council.
