WHIPIC held the 4th Research Forum, inviting Professor Lynn Meskell from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, on July 17 to understand the challenges of conflicts over World Heritage sites and international organisations' response and explore ways to conserve heritage through interpretation and presentation.
Professor Lynn Meskell and WHIPIC group photo
Recent global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, have led to the destruction of World Heritage sites. The forum explored how the weaponization and control of the past are recognised as issues that influence the present and future, posing a threat to the human community and international security. We also discussed the roles that international organisations and members should adopt when World Heritage is being exploited in modern conflicts.
On-site photo of the 4th Centre Research Forum
Professor Meskell also shared research findings indicating that conflicts between governments are increasing even during the World Heritage nomination process. She expressed concern over numerous instances of escalating tensions between countries and communities, such as those arising from Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution legacy, noting that these conflicts often remain unresolved. In the subsequent discussion concerning the issue of representation in the World Heritage system, we discussed the need to include diverse voices, such as those of small states and post-colonial discourses.
The forum provided a valuable platform for talking about how responsible interpretation and presentation can help resolve heritage-related conflicts. WHIPIC aims to develop interpretations and presentations incorporating more diverse values, fostering cooperation rather than conflict, and sharing a vision for peace within the human community.
WHIPIC held the 4th Research Forum, inviting Professor Lynn Meskell from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, on July 17 to understand the challenges of conflicts over World Heritage sites and international organisations' response and explore ways to conserve heritage through interpretation and presentation.
Professor Lynn Meskell and WHIPIC group photo
Recent global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, have led to the destruction of World Heritage sites. The forum explored how the weaponization and control of the past are recognised as issues that influence the present and future, posing a threat to the human community and international security. We also discussed the roles that international organisations and members should adopt when World Heritage is being exploited in modern conflicts.
On-site photo of the 4th Centre Research Forum
Professor Meskell also shared research findings indicating that conflicts between governments are increasing even during the World Heritage nomination process. She expressed concern over numerous instances of escalating tensions between countries and communities, such as those arising from Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution legacy, noting that these conflicts often remain unresolved. In the subsequent discussion concerning the issue of representation in the World Heritage system, we discussed the need to include diverse voices, such as those of small states and post-colonial discourses.
The forum provided a valuable platform for talking about how responsible interpretation and presentation can help resolve heritage-related conflicts. WHIPIC aims to develop interpretations and presentations incorporating more diverse values, fostering cooperation rather than conflict, and sharing a vision for peace within the human community.