Future Leaders Meet Ahead of World Heritage Session

Young leaders from around the Pacific will attend a global youth forum on world heritage ahead of next year’s UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Christchurch says Margaret Austin, chair of the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.

“UNESCO champions the celebration of natural and cultural heritage as our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations,” says Mrs Austin.

“Engaging our future leaders now is a fundamental way in which we can protect the world’s treasures.”

The Youth Forum will be hosted by the UNESCO’s NZ National Commission and youth representatives it is hoped that they will visit some of Aotearoa’s three World Heritage sites during their time here. The World Heritage Committee meeting will then receive the outcome of the Pacific Youth Forum.

Mrs Austin congratulated Ngati Tuwharetoa Paramount Chief Tumu te Heuheu - te Heuheu Tûkino VIII – on his selection as chair of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is an historic achievement that all New Zealanders can be proud of. Mr te Heuheu’s appointment also recognises the leading role that New Zealand plays in the international conservation of natural and cultural treasures. World heritage sites in New Zealand include Tongariro National Park, Wahipounamu – South Westland and the sub Antarctic islands.

“Mr te Heuheu and his Tuwharetoa people have demonstrated their profound commitment to this belief throughout history.”

“Next year’s World Heritage Committee meeting will be a significant global event with 600 international participants from 178 nation states attending. It is a great privilege for New Zealand to host the World Heritage Committee meeting and an honour for us to have Tumu te Heuheu chairing it.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media