Highlights
By Jin Yingying
The third UNESCO High-level Forum for Museums officially opened in Liangzhu, Yuhang district of Hangzhou, on Apr 23.
Running through Apr 25, this year’s forum brings together more than 70 participants from around the world, including museum directors, leading cultural heritage experts, scholars in the creative and cultural industries, and representatives from UNESCO Chairs and affiliated research centers. By fostering global dialogue, attendees are sharing international expertise and perspectives on the vital role museums play in contemporary society and sustainable development. Discussions highlight museums’ contributions to heritage preservation, socio-economic development, and inclusive education.
The forum focuses on the evolving and transformative role of museums in safeguarding cultural heritage, promoting socio-economic growth, and advancing lifelong, audience-specific education. Sessions address topics such as “Redefining the Role of Museums in Cultural Heritage Preservation”, “Leveraging Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence”, and “Museums as Educational Platforms for Lifelong Learning”, aiming to enhance global and regional cooperation.
Delegates are also presenting successful case studies on themes including museums in times of crisis, gender equality and inclusion, climate action, and the integration of smart technologies in museum development--collectively exploring innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
Cutting--edge technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are on display at the forum. Additional discussions are addressing the creation of virtual museums for stolen cultural artifacts, including their identification, reporting, and the broader mission and impact of these digital platforms.
Held in Liangzhu--recognized as a cradle of Chinese civilization with a history spanning over 5,000 years--the forum benefits from its rich cultural context. Ahead of the opening, international guests visited Liangzhu Museum, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, and iconic landmarks such as West Lake and Gongchen Bridge, experiencing the unique blend of prehistoric heritage and the charm of southern China’s water towns.