Youth Mobilize for Creativity, Heritage and Peace along the Silk Roads

Over 80 young people from 65 countries have adopted an international Declaration affirming their desire to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable development through recognition and celebration of the Silk Roads.

At an International Youth Forum held in Changsha and Quanzhou, China, from 17 to 22 April 2017, participants agreed to expand their engagement in protecting and preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage and to promote creativity in their respective home countries, in line with UNESCO's Operational Strategy on Youth (2014-2021).  In their Declaration, the youth called for promotion of youth organizations and the creation of cultural festivals, greater protection of cultural heritage including the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural objects, and promotion of sustainable tourism along the Silk Roads including programs that can provide youth employment opportunities in Silk Road Countries.

Over the course of six days, youth delegates exchanged with international experts, visited heritage sites, experienced different forms of intangible cultural heritage and creative arts, and debated on how young people could strengthen their participation in the preservation and protection of culture. 

The Forum was organized by UNESCO and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Changsha and Quanzhou.

Link to original article: http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1657