Barcelona, 28 November 2025 — The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), together with the Anna Lindh Foundation, has officially endorsed Córdoba (Spain) and Saida (Lebanon) as the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue for 2027. This decision was taken by the foreign ministers of the 43 UfM Member States at the 10th UfM Regional Forum held in Barcelona, marking the 30th anniversary of the historic Barcelona Process for Mediterranean cooperation and integration.
The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue initiative, launched in 2022 and jointly coordinated by the UfM and the Anna Lindh Foundation, aims to strengthen regional cohesion, intercultural dialogue, and mutual understanding across the Euro-Mediterranean region by celebrating its rich cultural diversity and shared heritage. The initiative designates two cities each year — one from the northern and one from the southern Mediterranean — to host year-long programmes of cultural events, exchanges and civic activities.
Córdoba, a UNESCO World Heritage city, brings to the title its long-standing legacy as a crossroads of Jewish, Christian and Muslim cultures. Its 2027 programme will place a special emphasis on artistic collaboration, citizen engagement and creative innovation, reaffirming the city’s historic role in building bridges across societies. Saida (also known as Sidon) is one of Lebanon’s oldest cities and embodies centuries of maritime trade, pluralistic cultural influences and historical resilience. Saida’s designation highlights its potential as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, youth involvement and sustainable creative initiatives.
Throughout 2027, both cities will host a diverse calendar of cultural and societal programmes — ranging from heritage festivals and arts residencies to academic dialogues and community workshops — all fostering dynamic intercultural engagement and reinforcing inclusive Mediterranean identities. This edition follows the successful inaugural titles: Tirana (Albania) and Alexandria (Egypt) for 2025, and Matera (Italy) and Tétouan (Morocco) for 2026.
The announcement signals the UfM’s continued commitment to using culture as a catalyst for peace, cooperation and shared prosperity across the Mediterranean – a region historically defined by exchange, diversity and collective memory.