The Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with ICCROM (International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) and CGSI (Critical Global Studies Institute) of Sogang University, recently hosted the International Conference on Participatory Approaches to World Heritage 2024 in Seoul. This dynamic event, held from March 19 to March 20, 2024, brought together over 150 global experts, diplomats, officials, and academics to explore the pivotal role of local communities in preserving and managing World Heritage sites.
At the conference, Daniela Chong, representing Our City Plans, shared the innovative Our City Plans toolbox. She emphasised on how planning for territories, cities, and neighbourhoods, needs to consider multiple aspects and dimensions, and an important consideration out of this is local heritage. Understanding the cultural and physical context is key to understanding the past and present, in order to plan for a better future. On the other way around, identifying, nominating, promoting and conserving heritage and World Heritage needs to consider the broader context at different scales in which it is immersed, beyond heritage itself, which is: urban, historical, economic, social, environmental aspects, and more importantly, its people and community. Urban planning and heritage are intrinsically linked, and there are many aspects to learn and share between both fields, especially the approach to participation and its key role.
UN-Habitat's active participation in the conference and working session included discussions with global practitioners and experts on cultural and physical heritage and exchange of experiences on civic engagement in diverse fields, highlighting the key role of participatory practices in promoting sustainable development.
Our City Plans showcased our unwavering dedication to promoting sustainable urban development and community engagement. By engaging in global dialogues like this, Our City Plans continues to be a proponent of inclusive and participatory approaches to heritage preservation, ensuring that local communities lead the way in shaping their heritage and future.