Asian alliance to preserve cultural heritage draws global attention

As cultural heritage conservation gains momentum across Asia, an alliance dedicated to preserving Asian cultural heritage is drawing global attention, with countries around the world collaborating to safeguard their treasures for the future.

More than 200 experts and representatives from 33 countries and international organizations attended the second general assembly and third council meeting of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia in Chongqing on Thursday to review the alliance's achievements and outline future plans.

"We are glad to see the alliance has transcended geographical boundaries and expanded its influence globally. It not only bridges mutual learning within Asia but also promotes faithful dialogues between Asia and the rest of the world," said Rao Quan, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

The alliance was launched in 2021 at the Asian Dialogue for Cultural Heritage Conservation, co-hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Cultural Heritage Administration, together with nine other Asian countries.

Since then, communication and cooperation involving ancient civilization studies, joint archaeological projects, ancient site restoration and cultivation of museum professionals have all grown under the framework, Rao said.

For example, China has carried out 11 ancient site protection and restoration projects with Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan and Kenya and conducted 49 joint archaeological excavations with 28 overseas countries.

"China and Uzbekistan have cooperated to protect and restore the ancient city of Khiva, letting the historical city regain its vitality. Since 2016, China and Saudi Arabia have been engaged in joint archaeological research surrounding al Serrian, a site of port ruins near Mecca, proving the evolution and glamorous past of the ancient Maritime Silk Road," he said.

Nu Mra Zan, vice-minister of religious affairs and culture of Myanmar, said Myanmar has cooperated with China and India on the restoration of the Bagan ancient city, which was damaged by an earthquake in 2016.

When another earthquake damaged historical monuments in Mandalay, Myanmar, this year, Chinese experts helped with assessments and planning, she said.

"This shows how international cooperation can help address our challenges," she said. "Our experiences have taught us that working together brings the best results."

The Chongqing Consensus of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia was also issued at the gathering, calling for deeper regional cooperation to address shared risks, stronger use of science and technology, and mutual learning to promote collaborative development.

During the general assembly, Egypt signed a joint statement on cooperation under the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation and an agreement to strengthen collaboration in world cultural heritage nomination, management and conservation with China.

"This move marks a step toward higher-level and deeper cooperation between both countries in areas such as the preparation of world heritage nomination materials, cultural relics preservation and restoration, site management, capacity building, and heritage risk management," said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Antiquities of Egypt.

Although geographically a European country, Greece recognizes the values of the alliance and has become a new partner state.

"Our participation strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Greece, China and all the countries of Asia. Greece — a cradle of culture with global influence — shares the same values as the alliance: the protection, understanding and promotion of cultural heritage," said Despoina Zernioti, director of the Corfu Museum of Asian Art in Greece.

In addition to Greece, Kenya and Cuba also became partner states, and Malaysia became a new member state. The alliance now has 16 member states, four partner states and four observer states.