From June 16–18, 2025, directors of the Czech Centres gathered in Prague for their annual meeting to discuss strategy and the organization’s role in advancing Czech public diplomacy. The Czech Centres, a contributory organization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, promote Czech culture in 26 cities across four continents.
The meeting culminated with a session at Czernin Palace attended by Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, who praised the dedication of Czech Centres staff working under challenging conditions. He emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in promoting national interests, particularly during global geopolitical shifts.
Director General Jitka Pánek Jurková outlined plans for expanding Czech language instruction—recently launched in Belgrade, Hanoi, and Seoul—and highlighted new initiatives like the "Safe Space" program, addressing resilience and security through cultural contexts. She also noted efforts to revive the Czech Centre in Moscow virtually and the opening of the Czech House in Belgrade.
Amid rising security concerns, the organization has introduced psychological support for staff, especially those stationed in conflict zones such as Tel Aviv and Kyiv.
In 2026, the Centres will mark the 90th anniversary of Václav Havel’s birth with programs aimed at younger generations and events tied to Czech participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair. Other priorities include photography in the age of AI, Czech contributions to space research, and continued support for residencies and curator exchanges.
The meeting began with an off-site session in Kutná Hora, underlining the link between cultural diplomacy and Czech regions. Each year, Czech Centres host around 1,700 events worldwide, reaching over 7.5 million visitors.
