More than a hundred experts and scholars from seven countries gathered in the historic city of Dunhuang—home to world-renowned cultural heritage Mogao Caves—to discuss sustainable development and long-term utilization of world cultural heritage sites on Sept 1, 2019.

Attendees at the International Forum on the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism for Development on Sept 1, 2019 [Photo provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

The International Forum on the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism for Development was held as part of the 4th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. It was co-hosted by the Gansu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Gansu Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage.

Over two days, 17 distinguished scholars, including Professor Emeritus of the University of Tokyo Masanori Aoyagi and Jude Franks from the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority in Australia, engaged in in-depth discussions on four key topics: the interpretation of heritage values and cultural tourism, preventive conservation and monitoring of heritage sites, stakeholder engagement in heritage management, and balancing heritage conservation with sustainable use.

Marielza Oliveira, the director of the UNESCO Beijing Office, delivered a keynote speech. Drawing on the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, she underscored the vital role of cultural heritage in fostering inclusive, sustainable progress.

This high-level dialogue in Dunhuang offered fresh insights and practical recommendations for safeguarding cultural heritage while promoting responsible tourism and inclusive development.