Organization of World Heritage Cities World Symposia

Creation of mayors' workshops and scientific program for the Organization of World Heritage Cities World Symposia and Congresses

A church's dome and towers sit beside the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru

Plaza de Armas in Cusco, Peru. Cusco was the host city of the Organization of World Heritage Cities 8th World Symposium.

About

Goal

The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) membership is comprised of cities on UNESCO's World Heritage List. There are important common issues associated with the conservation and management of historic towns of all sizes and origin, which the OWHC addresses in its activities.

The Conservation Institute worked with the OWHC to develop workshops for World Heritage city mayors and the scientific program for its symposia to better understand conservation and management issues related to historic cities and to identify areas for collaboration.

Outcomes

  • The OWHC 8th World Symposium was held in Cusco, Peru, September 19–23, 2005, under the theme "Heritage of Humankind, a Heritage with Humanity." More than 1,150 people participated, 650 of whom were students following the presentations and the debates via closed-circuit video.
  • The 9th World Congress was held June 19–23, 2007, in Kazan (Tatarstan), Russian Federation, under the theme "Heritage and Economics." The congress, organized by the City of Kazan in collaboration with the OWHC, included a scientific program and a pre-congress workshop for mayors
  • The 10th World Congress was held September 8–11, 2009, in Quito, Ecuador, under the theme "Revitalization of Historical Centers: How to Involve All Social Actors?"
  • The 11th World Symposium was held November 22–25, 2011, in Sintra, Portugal, under the theme "World Heritage Cities and Climate Change,” offering a workshop for mayors of World Heritage Cities focused on the core concept of preservation of heritage: the significance of place and the values embedded in it.
  • The 12th World Congress was held November 18–22, 2013, in Oaxaca, Mexico, under the theme "Heritage Cities, Sustainable Cities." A half-day workshop was organized for mayors of World Heritage Cities and focused on supporting and sharing the appreciation of the cities the mayors manage.

Background

The World Congress of the OWHC is a unique forum held every two years, which brings together politicians and cultural heritage professionals who are committed to the preservation of historic cities. Since the first world meeting in 1991, this event has enabled participants to discuss topics of common interest, to share experiences, and to learn about new strategies for meeting the challenges associated with the conservation and management of World Heritage cities.

Partner

Organization of World Heritage Cities

Resources

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