Mehri Madarshahi

Former UN senior economist, member of the UNESCO International Center for Creativity and Sustainable Development (ICCSD) Advisory Committee

Cultural heritage implies a shared bond to the past, to our present, and to the future, representing our history and defining our identity.

The new era of world heritage conservation also involves a focus on sustainable development and community engagement, as well as the integration of modern technology and scientific research into conservation efforts. This approach seeks to balance the preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites with the needs of local communities and the broader goals of sustainable development.

In an era of globalization, cultural heritage helps us to remember our cultural diversity, and its understanding develops mutual respect and renewed dialogue among different cultures.

I have visited many museums in the world... They are attractive because they present the richness of diverse civilizations. Exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations must not be built on the exclusive praise or belittling of one particular civilization.