Saida and Cordoba named the 2027 Mediterranean capitals of culture and dialogue

BEIRUT — The coastal city of Saida, capital of the South Lebanon governorate, and the Spanish city of Cordoba have been designated as the two Mediterranean capitals of culture and dialogue for 2027, a decision approved by the foreign ministers of the 43 member countries of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) during its annual forum in Barcelona on Nov. 28.

This initiative was undertaken by the UfM in cooperation with the Anna Lindh Foundation for Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue and coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean.

The Lebanese delegation to the forum is headed by Foreign Minister Joe Rajji and includes, notably, Saida’s municipal council president, Moustapha Hijazi, who took part in the conference of Mediterranean cities held alongside the forum.

The choice of Saida as a capital of culture and dialogue is "a good sign for Lebanon," Rajji said in a ministry statement, "especially as it coincides with the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2."

"I believe this once again underscores the message Lebanon carries as a country of dialogue, encounter, and openness," he continued.

For Raggi, "Saida, with its rich history and vibrant spirit, reaffirms that Lebanon remains a space linking East and West on the principles of culture and peace."

As soon as the announcement was made, Aoun said he was "proud of this new success for Lebanon, especially at this time and under these circumstances."

"I extend my warmest congratulations to Saida and its residents," he wrote in a statement. Saida, "the gateway to the South... reaffirms and renews its mission and that of its country as a land of culture, dialogue, diversity, pluralism, and peace for both shores of the Mediterranean and for all the shores of the world," he added.

According to a statement, the two cities of Saida and Cordoba must "develop a joint program focused on intercultural dialogue, sustainability, and the protection of tangible and intangible heritage, and will propose institutional exchanges and joint artistic and educational projects that will strengthen ties between the two local communities, serving as a platform for communication between artists, researchers, and students."

The capitals of culture and dialogue for 2025 are Alexandria (Egypt) and Tirana (Albania); for 2026 they will be Tangier (Morocco) and Matera (Italy).