**Interview with Irina Bokova, Former Director-General of UNESCO: “The Beijing Cultural Forum is an Excellent Platform”**
**Beijing, September 21, 2024** – The recent Beijing Cultural Forum, which took place from September 19 to 21, attracted over 800 guests from more than 70 countries to discuss cultural exchange and collaborative progress. Irina Bokova, the former Director-General of UNESCO, attended the forum and delivered a keynote address. In an exclusive interview with China News Agency, she shared her thoughts on the preservation of cultural heritage and its connection to sustainable development.
**Interviewer:** In July, the “Central Axis of Beijing – A Masterpiece of Ideal Urban Order in China” was added to the World Heritage List. What significance does this hold, and what can we learn from Beijing regarding cultural heritage preservation and transmission?
**Bokova:** This achievement is a significant milestone, underscoring Beijing’s and China’s efforts in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. The Central Axis, which spans 7.8 kilometers, is the longest urban axis globally. It showcases a variety of architectural styles that represent different eras and reveals over three thousand years of history. Its inclusion in the World Heritage List fills a unique niche regarding the ideal urban landscapes and architectural significance of Eastern cities, highlighting its universal value.
Additionally, Beijing is home to over a thousand cultural innovation enterprises and has been recognized as a “City of Design” in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network since 2012. This recent recognition further emphasizes Beijing’s dynamic atmosphere. The interplay between its rich historical and cultural heritage and innovative practices aligns perfectly with UNESCO’s 2011 vision of merging urban landscapes with city-specific characteristics.
**Interviewer:** How can we strike a balance between cultural heritage preservation and economic development to ensure sustainable cultural transmission?
**Bokova:** It’s essential to understand that these dimensions are interconnected. Preserving cultural heritage reflects a nation’s dedication to cultural continuity and humanistic growth. As discussions around this topic gain momentum internationally, it’s vital to learn from the rich historical contexts of various nations and recognize their contributions to cultural heritage preservation.
Take the Silk Road, for example. It has left a profound cultural legacy for the nations it touched, stimulating local economic development. UNESCO has dedicated the last 30 years to researching the significance of the Silk Road and highlighting the importance of mutual learning in storytelling—a reminder that no culture exists in isolation. The interconnectedness of cultures showcases a “harmony in difference,” a concept emphasized by President Xi Jinping during his visit to UNESCO a decade ago. We aim to nurture this spirit to foster dialogue and cultural exchanges globally.
**Interviewer:** China is known for its rich cultural heritage. How can we ensure that these treasures are highlighted on the global stage?
**Bokova:** With more than 5,000 years of civilization, China is home to a vast array of World Heritage Sites—one of the highest in the world. Over recent decades, China and UNESCO have built a strong collaborative partnership, engaging in various projects across numerous cities and universities. We are hopeful for more cultural heritage initiatives between China and other nations moving forward.
The Silk Road continues to be a key focus for UNESCO. We look forward to working with China to delve into and protect the cultural heritage along this historic route.
China’s extensive experience in cultural heritage preservation has led to remarkable successes, and we hope this knowledge can be shared with other nations, particularly developing countries looking to enhance their efforts in this area.
**Interviewer:** In what ways do the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage contribute to sustainable development?
**Bokova:** Preserving cultural heritage creates job opportunities and encourages a more diverse and inclusive society, facilitating dialogue and exchanges between different cultures and nations.
Beijing has made commendable strides regarding the cultural dimensions of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Sustainability is a key principle guiding the city’s urban development, and Beijing is modernizing its approach toward sustainable growth, which is evident in its urban planning. Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, Beijing is full of innovative energy. The development of its cultural industries not only drives economic growth but also connects China with the broader world. The aesthetic and artistic values woven into the city’s cultural tapestry enrich the daily lives of its residents, fostering global cultural sharing.
**Interviewer:** The theme of the 2024 Beijing Cultural Forum is “Deepening Cultural Exchange for Collective Progress.” How can we take meaningful steps to implement this theme?
**Bokova:** The successful execution of this forum really underscores Beijing’s emerging status as a global cultural hub. Participants from over 70 countries were able to engage in open discussions and explore new pathways for cultural exchange.
As the theme suggests, we must learn from our history, learn to coexist, celebrate our shared values, and respect our differences. The new generation should cultivate collaborative values that foster understanding of others, encompassing history, heritage, and culture rather than antagonism, which is essential for collective progress.
I view the Beijing Cultural Forum as an excellent platform for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue. Through collaborative initiatives, we can bolster the preservation of cultural heritage and promote exchanges between nations. A shared future for humanity is only possible through understanding each other’s cultures.
The acknowledged importance of culture in attaining a sustainable world is reflected in international agendas. Beijing’s experiences in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage should be shared globally, highlighting the significance of this forum.
