Organisers
Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan (Bunkacho);
Cultural Heritage Protection Cooperation Office, Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU Nara);
World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (WHITRAP Shanghai)
Venue
Nara Prefectural Convention Center
Background
In 1994, the Nara Conference on Authenticity in Relation to the World Heritage Convention (hereafter Nara Conference) was held, marking its 30th anniversary this year. The Nara Document on Authenticity, adopted during the conference, continues to significantly influence the field of cultural heritage protection three decades later. However, it has also given rise to various interpretations across different countries. Therefore, it is necessary for World Heritage practice to reconsider the meaning of ‘authenticity’ as understood in the Nara Document. In response to this, the conference aims to clarify the original intentions and objectives of the creators of the Nara Document, and to provide a platform for participants to share insights on what has been accomplished and what
challenges remain.
Authenticity, discussed as the “essential qualifying factor concerning values” in the Nara Document, was intended to serve as a tool for value assessment in World Heritage practices. However, specific guidelines for its implementation remain unclear, hindering the fulfilment of its original purpose. The first day of the conference aims to clarify the original intentions and objectives of the creators of the Nara Document. The second day will focus on the restoration and reconstruction of National Treasure-class historic sites and buildings during post-disaster recovery. The focus on cultural heritage classified as national treasures lies in the fact that, during the processes of restoration and reconstruction, it becomes evident what each country considers to be the “most important value” of its cultural heritage. This situation enables us to assess value from various perspectives, allowing for a broad discussion about “authenticity.”
Through this discussion, we hope to effectively share the extensive knowledge and examples from Japan, a country frequently affected by disasters, while alsoproviding an opportunity to exchange thoughts on the actual situation relating to the “theory” and “practice” in different countries.
Seat capacity
30 persons per day
(No limit for Online simultaneous distribution)
*Onsite registation: On a first-come, first-served basis; The deadline will be closed once the number of onsite observers has been reached.
*Registration is required for both on-site and online participation.
Registration deadline
15 December 2024 (Sun)
How to apply
Please apply via the application form.
▶ Click here for the application form: https://event.nara.jp/sp/unesconara2024
For the conference details, please see below.
Click here for the event poster:
2024international_conference_en