News
Asia-Pacific partners renew commitments to climate action and shared heritage at UNESCO’s 42nd session of the General Conference
Private sector leaders from Asia-Pacific gathered at UNESCO Headquarters, in Paris, on 10 November 2023, to discuss the pressing need to address climate change and protect cultural heritage, and the importance of collaborative partnerships to achieve shared goals in the region.
Moderated by Ms Mia Macfarlane, of IRK Magazine, the panel featured distinguished leaders such as Mr Chavalit Frederick Tsao, Chairman of IMC Pan Asia Alliance; Mr Tomohiro Oya, Head of Public Policy at Airbnb in Japan; Ms Li Mengwei, a journalist from Phoenix TV, French Station; and Ms Mehrnavaz Avari, Area Director UK and General Manager, London of Taj Hotels Group.
Asia-Pacific is home to six of the top ten global carbon emitters, contributing over half of the world's total greenhouse gases.[1] The region is highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, with 50 per cent of the population residing near coastal areas.[2] The annual loss to climate-induced disasters in the region is estimated at a staggering US$675 billion, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable groups.[3] Moreover, rising sea levels, extreme weather events and changing climate patterns are presently causing damage to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) across the world. These sites hold cultural and natural importance while contributing significantly to economic prosperity through heritage tourism.
The panel of the Partners’ Forum emphasized the crucial need to rethink sustainable approaches to protect oceans and World Heritage Sites from climate change and other threats. UNESCO's initiative with Taj Hotels Group was highlighted, as it focuses on supporting intangible cultural heritage in India, including Patachitra, Ganga Aarti, and Kalbelia performances and more. Phoenix TV also highlighted its commitment to supporting China's cultural heritage.
Mr Tomohiro Oya spoke about Airbnb’s dedication to preserving heritage homes, stating,
Our commitments extend beyond providing accommodations; Airbnb has at its core the promotion of cultural understanding, preserving heritage, and empowering communities. Acknowledging the rich culture of Asia-Pacific, we are currently revitalizing rural areas, including restoring temples and providing support to heritage house owners across various countries in the region.
Speaking on behalf of IMC, Chairman Chavalit Frederick Tsao noted,
Family businesses constitute 70 per cent of the GDP, and our network aspires not to be a part of the problem but a contributor to the solution. Within our community, we possess the resources and the determination to collaborate in addressing numerous global challenges. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with UNESCO and governments in this regard.
The panel discussion overall marked a significant step towards building resilient futures. By fostering collaborative partnerships, the panelists emphasized the need for joint efforts to address climate change, preserve cultural heritage and ensure sustainable development. As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, such initiatives underscore the importance of collective action and collaboration for a better, more resilient future.
For more information or if your organization/company would like to partner with UNESCO to combat climate change and preserve cultural heritage, please contact the Executive Office at UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok, eo.bgk(at)unesco.org.
[1] United Nations (2023). SDG 13: Climate Action. Accessible via https://www.unescap.org/sdg/13-climate-action
[2] UNDP (2019). Climate Change in Asia and the Pacific. What’s at Stake? Accessible via https://www.undp.org/asia-pacific/news/climate-change-asia-and-pacific-whats-stake
[3] United Nations (n 1).
#WorldHeritage #Ocean&ClimateChange
