Changsha hosts youth forum on Silk Road heritage protection
By Cui Can
An international youth forum promoting creativity and heritage protection along the Belt and Road route kicked off in Changsha, the provincial capital of Hunan, on May 22.
Experts speak at the Changsha International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage Along the Silk Road on May 22, 2018. [Photo by Sun Tao/China SCIO]
About 100 people from 51 countries, including UNESCO staff and foreign diplomats, attended the Changsha International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage Along the Silk Road. The attendees held discussions on the current state of cultural heritage protection, as well as various innovations on cultural products.
"More than half of the world's population now lives in urban areas, a figure that is expected to climb to 70 percent by 2050," Marielza Oliveira, director of UNESCO Beijing Office, said at the forum, adding that creativity is essential to the successful future development of Chinese cities.
In her speech, Oliveira encouraged young people to see the world with an attitude of appreciation, mutual learning and sharing to promote cultural exchange and co-existence.
Nigel Ayre, councilor and executive member for culture, leisure and tourism in York city, the U.K., echoed Oliveira's comments. Speaking on his experience in the cultural development of York, Ayre highlighted the importance of creativity in York's future development, and that collaboration is needed between sectors, institutions, disciplines and citizens.
In an effort to provide practical support to the city's creative industries, the York government established more incubator space in the city to develop new ideas and retain talent. In addition, the city set up business boot camps to connect students with employers and provide appropriate business skills, Ayre said.
In 2017, Changsha became the first Chinese city to be recognized as a UNESCO Creative City in media arts, thanks to its long history and rich cultural resources. As the host of the youth forum, the city is also positioning itself as a key location in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
According to the organizers, the forum aims to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development, and provide a platform for the youth from the countries along the Belt and Road routes to strengthen cultural exchange.
During the two-day forum, participants will listen to academic reports, hold symposiums, and visit the Yuelu Academy and other cultural heritage sites in Changsha.