Cultivating Resilience – 2025 Summary Report

The 2025 Summary Report captures insights and reflections from each of the six titleholders of 2025: Smiltene (Latvia), Helsingborg (Sweden), Peipsiääre (Estonia), Płock (Poland), Kaskinen-Kaskö (Finland) and Alytus District (Lithuania). The report showcases their unique approaches to overcoming challenges commonly faced by small and medium-sized cities: including depopulation, youth outmigration, and weakening community ties.

The report also highlights the enriching events programme of 2025, which included dozens of webinars, two network conferences, and the Culture for Resilience Forum. Collaborations with the Resilient Communities Learning Platform (RESCOM) further enhanced the programme, fostering exchanges of best practices between the Baltic Sea Region, Ukraine, and Moldova. Each city has exemplified how culture can serve as a catalyst for resilience, offering actionable solutions that inspire municipalities across the region. Download the report and find inspiration for how to strengthen your own community by harnessing culture.