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News | WHITR-AP Concludes 2024 Governing Board Meeting
  PublishDate:2025-01-22  Hits:718
On January 16, 2025, WHITR-AP (the Institute) convened its 2024 Governing Board Meeting online, bringing together representatives and experts to reflect on achievements from 2020–2024 and set a strategic direction for the future. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the Institute’s efforts to advance World Heritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region. 
2024理事会合照
Group photo of 2024 Governing Board Meeting

Opening Remarks 
The meeting was chaired by Zhang Xinsheng, Chair of the Governing Board, and attended by Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre; Qin Changwei, Secretary-General of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO; and representatives from key Chinese authorities, including the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, and three hosting institutions including Peking University, Tongji University and Suzhou Municipal government. Observers from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) also participated, contributing global perspectives to the discussions.  

In his opening remarks, Chair Zhang reviewed the Institute’s achievements over the past five years, emphasizing its contributions to implementing the Convention through capacity building, research, and international partnerships. He highlighted the institute’s preparations for the upcoming external evaluation on WHITR-AP in 2025, signaling its commitment to ongoing excellence. Chair Zhang also highlighted the strong and healthy collaboration within WHITR-AP and the unity among the three sub-centres. 


Dr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo commended WHITR-AP for its capacity-building initiatives and leadership in fostering international cooperation, reaffirming UNESCO’s strong support for its future endeavors.


Shao Yong, Secretary-General of WHITR-AP, presented a detailed report on the institute’s accomplishments from 2020 to 2024, while directors of the Beijing and Suzhou sub-centers provided updates on their respective programs and future plans. Participants engaged in productive discussions on the Institute’s strategic plans, resulting in several key resolutions including: enhancing preparations for the external evaluation; strengthening collaborations with UNESCO, member states, and international partners; expanding research and capacity-building efforts to address evolving heritage conservation challenges.  

Key Outcomes

WHITR-AP’s work and future initiatives was recognized by the participants. Tim Badman, from IUCN  shared his reflections and suggestions following the presentations. He praised the work of WHITR-AP and its sub-centres, acknowledging their healthy state and growth potential.


Qin Changwei, Secretary-General of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, made several key suggestions: 1) Complete a thorough work review and prepare for the upcoming evaluation; 2) Adjust the institute's work model to meet evolving demands; 3) Strengthen cooperation with UNESCO, professional evaluators, member countries, and relevant domestic departments; 4) Enhance research capabilities by leveraging the strengths of Peking University, Tongji University, and Suzhou to conduct collaborative research; and 5) Improve the operational mechanism for collaboration among the three sub-centres, ensuring coordinated action in response to new challenges.

 

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing World Heritage conservation in the Asia-Pacific region. By fostering deeper collaboration with global and regional partners, the Institute aims to drive sustainable development and innovation in cultural and natural heritage preservation.  

 

The 2024 Governing Board Meeting set a strong foundation for WHITR-AP’s continued contribution to global heritage conservation, reinforcing its role as a vital platform for capacity building, research, and international exchange.  

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