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“International Conference on Synergizing Memory of the World with World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage” incorporating Celebration of 10th anniversary of the MoW Knowledge Centre


The International Conference on Synergizing Memory of the World with World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Memory of the World Knowledge Centre (the first of its kind, established in Macau on November 21, 2016), will be held in Macau.

 

1. Conference Objectives

The international conference aims to explore and strengthen the synergies between UNESCO’s three core heritage programmes: the Memory of the World (MoW), World Heritage (WH), and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

The primary objective is to highlight the interconnections among these three heritage domains and to support the identification, preservation, and understanding of their respective roles. The conference will facilitate a multidisciplinary dialogue to:

  • Highlight the Roles: Emphasize the connection of ICH and WH, and how MoW-registered items provide an irreplaceable evidentiary basis for WH site nomination, ICH identification, and ongoing academic research.
  • Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for experts from all three fields to share knowledge, identify common challenges, and develop integrated strategies for heritage safeguarding.
  • Promote Public Engagement: Demonstrate the relevance of this interconnected heritage in contemporary society, from education to community identity and sustainable development.
  • Ultimate goal: Enhance international cooperation in heritage preservation.

 

2. Participation & Invited Experts

Distinguished experts from UNESCO and its affiliated advisory bodies World Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Memory of the World Programme will attend to deliver keynote addresses and participate in panel discussions.

Secretary-General Qin Changwei of the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO and Mr. Lazare Eloundou Assomo, Director of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, will deliver video recorded remarks.

External guests attending in Macao include: Wang Hongmin, First-Level Inspector of the Memory of the World of the State Archives Administration of China, and experts from the mainland heritage sector; Ambassador Byong Hyun Lee, President of the 48th (2026) UNESCO World Heritage Committee, representatives from member states of the World Heritage Committee, and members of the judging panel; Mr. Jan Bos, Chairperson of the International Advisory Committee of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, Mr. Fackson Banda, Chief, Unit for Documentary Heritage (MoW Programme Secretariat) , Mr. Kwibae Kim, Chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Regional Committee, expert judges, representatives from UNESCO Memory of the World Knowledge Centres around the world, and approximately forty domestic and international experts, including representatives and scholars from member states of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.

Macau SAR officers, heritage scholars and practitioners from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau will be invited to ensure a robust regional perspective, and estimated total number of participants is 200.

Simultaneous interpretation in Mandarin and English will be offered. Online participation is available, and the zoom link is open for registration:

November 20: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/qRCA4ev4TbaKNXFAgC11HA  

November 21: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/QxzRpFZETCSe2AYW9LLLUQ   


 

3. Organizers

Under the Guidance of:

  • National Archives Administration of China

 

Organizers:

  • UNESCO Memory of the World Programme
  • Culture and Sports Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government
  • Memory of the World Knowledge Centre, City University of Macau
  • Galaxy Entertainment Group
  • Kiang Wu Hospital Charitable Association
  • Macau Documentation and Information Society

 

Supported by:

  • MGM
  • A-Ma Temple Charity Association


 

4. Preliminary Programme

 

November 20 (Friday):
International Conference on Synergizing Memory of the World with World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Macau time GMT+8)
Venue: Meeting Rooms 18 + 19, 2/F, Galaxy International Convention Center (Andaz Macau), Cotai, Macao

Simultaneous interpretation in Mandarin and English provided.

Online participation is available.

Registration link:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/qRCA4ev4TbaKNXFAgC11HA

 

  • Symposium Themes:
  • “Memory as Evidence: The Documentary Foundations of World Heritage and Intangible Heritage”
  • “From Manuscripts to Monuments: How Archives Shape Heritage Landscapes”
  • “Living Memory: Documentary Heritage in the Transmission of Intangible Cultural Practices”
  • “The MoW Knowledge Centre at 10: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Directions”
  • “Cross‑Programme Collaboration: Building Integrated Heritage Safeguarding Models”
  • “Community Voices in Archives: Oral Testimony as Documentary Heritage”
  • “Digital Memory Futures: AI, Access, and Sustainable Preservation”
  • “Heritage Education for the Next Generation: Students Engaging with DHE, WH, and ICH”
  • “Regional Synergies: Asia‑Pacific Leadership in Integrated Heritage Protection”
  • “Macau as a Living Laboratory: Documentary, Tangible, and Intangible Heritage in Dialogue”

 

November 21 (Saturday):
International Conference on the 10th Anniversary of the Memory of the World Knowledge Centre: Retrospect and Prospect

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Conference (Macau time GMT+8)
          11:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. noon (MoW Knowledge Centre Visit)

Venue: Meeting Room HG03, Ho Yin Conference Centre, City University of Macau (Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira Taipa, Macau)

Simultaneous interpretation in Mandarin and English provided.

Online participation is available.

Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/QxzRpFZETCSe2AYW9LLLUQ

 

Proposed Conference Programme

  • Opening Speech
  • “Students Engaging with MoW, WH, and ICH: New Pedagogies for Heritage Learning” Showcasing student projects, digital storytelling, and heritage-based curricula.
  • Conference Session

 

Moderators:

Prof. Lothar JORDAN, Chair of Sub-Committee on Education & Research, IAC of MoW, UNESCO

Dr. Helen Ieong, Coordinator of Working Group of MoW Knowledge Centre

 

Speakers of MoW Centre:

  • Prof. Zhiying LIAN, Beijing, China
  • Mr.Boseung KANG, Andong, Korean
  • Ms. ZHOU Qin, Fujian, China
  • Ms. XIE Jing, Suzhou, China (Zoom)
  • Prof. Martha Elena Romero RAMIREZ, Vizcainas, Mexico
  • Prof. Fernand KOUAME, Ivory Coast
  • Dr. Asel ISAEVA, Kyrgyzstan (TBC)
  • Dr. Roslyn RUSSELL, Canberra, Australia 

Discussion: Suggestions on Sustainable Development

Programme will be announced in the Memory of the World Knowledge Centre—Macau
https://mow.cityu.edu.mo/

 

Contact:
Anne Wan
Email: annewan@cityu.edu.mo
Tel: +853 85902504

Vivian Chen
Email: ywchen@cityu.edu.mo
Tel: +853 85902968