International Heritage News
01
Countries Discuss Joint Support for the Restoration of Ukraine’s Cultural Sector
On June 7, 2024, at Lithuania’s initiative, nearly 30 countries pledged at an international conference in Vilnius to support the restoration of Ukraine’s cultural sector, coordinated by UNESCO.
This medium- to long-term action plan was jointly developed by UNESCO and more than 40 international and Ukrainian institutions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the convening of this conference during his meeting with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Since February 2022, UNESCO has been committed to protecting and restoring Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
This pledge will support artists and cultural professionals, protect and restore cultural sites, and help revive cultural life.
So far, UNESCO has confirmed that more than 400 cultural sites in Ukraine have been damaged. It is estimated that approximately $680 million per year will be needed over the coming years to restore the cultural sector. Countries will continue discussions on implementation at a meeting in Berlin, Germany, from June 11 to 12.
Source: www.unesco.org
02
Call for Proposals: Workshops on Disability Inclusion in Media
On June 4, 2024, UNESCO’s East Asia Regional Office issued a call for proposals to organize two workshops on disability inclusion in media, targeting editors-in-chief and media managers.
The workshops will use the Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media and a masterclass video series, aiming to improve inclusivity in media, promote best practices, and encourage transformative action. Participants will learn how to produce accessible content and gain relevant tools and knowledge.
Source: UNESCO
03
UNESCO Releases the State of the Ocean Report 2024
On June 3, 2024, with support from Iceland, UNESCO released the State of the Ocean Report 2024.
Written by more than 100 scientists from nearly 30 countries, the report presents alarming data on threats to the ocean. It provides a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of issues such as ocean warming, sea-level rise, pollution, acidification, deoxygenation, blue carbon, and biodiversity loss.
The report notes that ocean warming is now occurring at twice the rate of 20 years ago, reaching its highest level since the 1950s in 2023.
Source: UNESCO
04
Registration Opens for the 8th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum
The IUCN Asia Regional Office has announced that the 8th Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 3 to 5, 2024.
The forum, themed “Reimagining Conservation in Asia: Towards a Nature-Positive Future,” will focus on identifying key transformations and actions needed to achieve positive outcomes for nature in Asia and globally.
Source: IUCN
Domestic Heritage News (China)
01
Symposium on the Protection and Utilization of the Chahai Site Complex Held in Fuxin, Liaoning
On June 7, 2024, a symposium on the protection and utilization of the Chahai Site Complex was held in Fuxin, Liaoning Province.
The event was jointly organized by the Archaeological Research Center of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the China Association for Conservation Technology of Cultural Heritage, the Liaoning Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the Fuxin Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the Fuxin Municipal Government.
It was hosted by the Archaeological Heritage Management Committee of the China Association for Conservation Technology of Cultural Heritage, the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and the Fuxin Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, and Television.
Experts and scholars from more than ten domestic research institutions and universities attended. The symposium integrated interdisciplinary research across archaeology, cultural heritage, museums, and architecture, sharing case studies and practical experience to explore pathways for managing, protecting, and utilizing archaeological heritage, thereby promoting high-quality and diversified development of the cultural heritage sector.
Zhang Jianwei, Associate Professor at Peking University, was invited to give a keynote report.
Source: Archaeology China
02
Nationwide Activities Launched to Celebrate Cultural and Natural Heritage Day
To celebrate this year’s Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, cultural heritage authorities and institutions across China organized a wide range of activities from June 1 to June 8 under the theme “Protect Cultural Heritage, Inherit Civilization.”
The main host city for 2024 was Shenyang, Liaoning Province. On June 8, the opening ceremony of the main event was held in Shenyang, featuring exhibitions, promotional displays, project showcases, and official releases. Representatives from various sectors were invited to discuss major topics such as strengthening systematic protection of cultural heritage, promoting rational utilization, carrying forward outstanding traditional Chinese culture, and building a modern Chinese civilization.
Across the country, more than 3,400 public-oriented activities were launched, including study programs, exhibitions, lectures, themed heritage routes, and livestream events.
Source: National Cultural Heritage Administration
03
11th “Memory in Ink, Guardianship of Home” China Cultural Heritage Art Exhibition Held Online
On June 8, 2024, as one of the key events of Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, the exhibition “Memory in Ink, Guardianship of Home: China Cultural Heritage Art Exhibition (2024)” was held online.
The exhibition focuses on the cultural heritage of the Beijing Central Axis and also features works related to the Silk Roads: Chang’an–Tianshan Corridor (marking its 10th anniversary as a World Heritage site) and the Grand Canal.
A total of 100 artworks by 89 artists and young participants were displayed, showcasing the historical depth, cultural characteristics, and human landscape of heritage sites through artistic expression. The exhibition aims to evoke emotional resonance and deepen public recognition of cultural heritage.
To strengthen youth engagement, artworks created by children depicting world heritage sites were also included, encouraging younger generations to better appreciate heritage and traditional culture and to develop awareness of cultural heritage protection.
Source: National Cultural Heritage Administration
04
Three Gorges Migrant Museum Officially Opens
On June 11, the Three Gorges Migrant Museum in Hubei Province officially opened.
It is the first museum in Hubei built around the history of Three Gorges resettlement and the region’s natural and cultural landscape, and also the province’s first museum dedicated to migration.
The museum covers an area of 13,000 square meters and consists of three main sections: “Gateway to the Three Gorges,” “Homeland,” and “New Home.” It serves multiple functions, including exhibitions, collection, research, education, and tourism reception.
The exhibition is organized around three major stages—before relocation, during relocation, and after relocation—vividly portraying the spirit of sacrifice and collective responsibility shown by the people involved in the Three Gorges resettlement.
Source: National Cultural Heritage Administration
Compiled by: Li Ziyi
Edited by: Ma Lerong, Park Lina
Reviewed by: Li Guanghan, Wang Siyu
Final Review: Shen Ruiwen, Zhang Jianwei
