Attendees learn about traditional Chinese building techniques at the World Cultural Heritage Forum held in Qufu, Jining, Shandong province. [Photo/Qilu Evening News]

On July 10, the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations held its first-ever World Cultural Heritage parallel forum, focusing on the theme "Protection and Sustainable Development of World Cultural Heritage". Experts from multiple countries gathered to discuss the latest developments and technologies related to heritage preservation and utilization.

Gamini Wijesuriya, special advisor at the UNESCO Regional Training and Research Center for Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, said that the diversity of world heritage is a core value and a direct reflection of the richness of human civilization. This diversity, he added, can provide wisdom and harmony for modernization.

Zhao Xizheng from Shandong University cited Confucian concepts like "learning from the past to understand the new" and "harmony in diversity", suggesting that cultural heritage should serve as a bridge between history and the future. He advocated for both preserving traditional values and promoting modern transformation.

Experts also proposed specific methods for heritage protection. Long Miao from the Shanghai research center of the UNESCO Regional Training and Research Center for Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region highlighted the importance of interdepartmental cooperation and evaluating the impact of preservation efforts. Ramesh Raj Bhandari from the Department of Archaeology in Nepal called for zero tolerance toward the destruction of heritage , advocating for well-coordinated policies and public education to enhance awareness of cultural preservation.

The forum underscored that effective heritage protection requires both honoring the past and embracing innovation, ensuring that cultural heritage remains relevant and vibrant in the modern world.