The (Swedish) National Heritage Board´s commitment to conserve, care for and use the cultural heritage extends way beyond Sweden´s borders. On these pages you will find an overview of the Board´s collaboration with Sweden´s closest neighbours, Europe as a whole, and with the world at large.

Our cultural heritage is a common asset, and something that is best safeguarded collectively. Cultural heritage resources and their accessibility form the basis of work that promotes both cultural diversity and human rights. One of the overall goals of the historic environment field is to promote and encourage national and international solidarity and respect for the cultural heritage of different groups of people. In order to achieve this goal, the National Heritage Board, in partnership with other agencies within the cultural heritage field, needs to develop broader international perspectives. The National Heritage Board is thus committed to the long-term sustainable development of the historic environment - nationally as well as internationally. With this in mind, we initiate and participate in a variety of projects, contribute with expert knowledge, disseminate information and facilitate contacts.

Collaboration within the EU

One of the National Heritage Board´s duties is to inform people about the different EU programmes, community and support initiatives concerned with cultural heritage. Since 1998, and in partnership with the National Council for Cultural Affairs, the National Heritage Board has been the EU´s contact office for culture in Sweden, Cultural Contact Point Sweden. The Board is responsible for overseeing structural funding programmes and community initiatives that concern the cultural heritage, and facilitating project work that identifies European collaboration partners.

International development cooperation

In December 2003, the Swedish parliament launched "Common responsibility - Sweden´s policy for global development_, the overriding goal of which is to contribute to a just and sustainable global development and incorporate all political fields. For the National Heritage Board this also means working closely with Sida in terms of providing professional support and collaborating with authorities and organisations in the developing countries. The Board has also participated in projects relating to the conservation of buildings in the Baltic region.

Other collaboration

The National Heritage Board is represented at both the Council of Europe and the Nordic Council of Ministers. We also participate in various projects and working groups, and support the annual event known as European Heritage Days. The Board is also responsible for ensuring that the international cultural heritage conventions signed by Sweden are both followed up and implemented.

A broader perspective

Sweden and the National Heritage Board have accumulated a wealth of experience in working with many different cultural heritage issues. International collaboration provides us with new knowledge, new angles of approach and new experiences - all of which have considerable significance for our work both within and outside the country´s borders.