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UNESCO’s Partners Forum Fosters Joint Climate Action to Preserve Heritage in Asia-Pacific
On 10 November 2023, at the Partners Forum held during UNESCO’s 42nd session of the General Conference, the dynamic panel discussion, titled "Shaping Resilient Futures: Climate and Heritage Partnerships", explored the interplay between climate change and heritage, to identify concrete collaborative solutions in addressing the impacts of climate change on World Heritage Sites (WHS) and surrounding communities. Inspired by UNESCO’s Futurekeepers’ initiative, it provided a platform for private sector experts and stakeholders to share insights on public-private collaboration opportunities, towards more resilient futures.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. It is also the most disaster-prone region in the world, and faces a daunting spectrum of natural hazards, causing damage to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and impacting communities’ livelihoods and resilience. The annual loss to climate-induced disasters in the region is estimated at a staggering US$675 billion, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable groups.
Moderated by Ms. Mia Macfarlane, Creative Director of IRK Magazine, the event highlighted the urgent need of collective action and innovative sustainable approaches to address the impacts of climate change and protect WHS. Significant initiatives were presented, such as UNESCO's collaboration with Taj Hotels Group for intangible cultural heritage in India, Airbnb's work to preserve heritage homes, IMC's partnerships’ approach, Phoenix TV’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting China’s cultural heritage.
Family businesses constitute 70% of the GDP, and our network aspires to collaborate for sustainable solutions. We possess the resources and determination to address numerous global challenges, and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with UNESCO and governments.
Airbnb promotes cultural understanding, heritage preservation, and empowers communities. Acknowledging the rich culture of Asia-Pacific, we are currently revitalizing rural areas, restoring temples and providing support to heritage houses owners, across various countries in the region. Airbnb, in partnership with UNESCO and our other stakeholders, is committed to positively impact the cultural tapestry of our world.
Media play a key role in supporting the goals of sustainable development and cultural heritage preservation. Phoenix TV aims to protect world heritage through cooperation with local cultural tourism players.
Taj Hotel Group proactively collaborates with communities and stakeholders, including artisans, musicians, tour guides, and transport providers, surrounding our hotels. Revenues generated from cultural experiences offered to our guests through this collaboration, are reinvested back into the communities, to preserve culture and heritage. We encourage other hotels to adopt this methodology, and contribute to communities’ well-being and sustainability.
In the face of the global challenges posed by climate change, the event highlighted joint efforts and concrete achievements of the private sector in addressing climate change and cultural heritage preservation, through effective partnerships and innovation for sustainable futures.
For more information or if your organization/company would like to partner with UNESCO to combat climate change and preserve cultural heritage, please contact the UNESCO Regional Office in Jakarta: jakarta@unesco.org
