A UNESCO Chair program for living heritage and community development kicked off at Fudan University, Shanghai, on Sunday.
Living heritage refers to the traditions, performing arts, social practices, knowledge and skills that have been passed from one generation to the next, and are still existing these days, such as intangible cultural heritage. It is the dynamic side of cultural heritage.
The concept was raised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the 1990s.
Fudan and UNESCO officially signed an agreement to launch the program in January.
More than 20 universities, cultural institutions and foundations from 10 countries, including China, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and South Africa, have engaged in the project.
Scholars and researchers will focus on the protection and inheritance of living heritage and sustainable community development in underdeveloped regions of China and the world. They will work in fields such as scientific research, social practices, student training and cultural exchanges.
It aims to promote international understanding and cooperation on living heritage protection.
Launched in 1992, the UNESCO Chairs Program is set to promote international inter-university cooperation and networking to enhance institutional capacities through knowledge sharing and collaborative work.
Over 850 institutions in 120 countries and regions have taken part in it.
This is Fudan’s first UNESCO Chair program.
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