From Mahnoor Makhdoom
BEIJING: Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province—From June 13th to 15th, 2024, a remarkable gathering took place aimed at fostering global youth engagement in cultural heritage protection. The International Youth World Cultural Heritage Protection Theme Visit unfolded in the picturesque landscapes of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, bringing together over 50 distinguished guests from around the world.
The event was meticulously organized by the China International Publishing Group, the Information Office of the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government, and the International Development Center of China International Publishing Group, and hosted by the Information Department of the Honghe Prefecture Committee of the Communist Party of China and also supported by the Institude of Communication Studies, Communication University of China. The primary objectives were to promote the dynamic inheritance of the Honghe Hani Terraces as a World Cultural Heritage site, engage global youth in heritage protection, foster intercultural exchanges, and amplify the influence of Chinese civilization on the global stage.
Attendees included representatives from the embassies of Colombia and Indonesia in China, China-Arab TV in Dubai, the Associated Press of Pakistan, The Daily Mail Pakistan , National Television of Nepal, and the China World Cultural Heritage Center of the China Academy of Cultural Heritage and several other international media outlets. This diverse assembly of international youth and media underscored the global interest in cultural heritage and the collaborative spirit of the initiative.
The itinerary was designed to highlight the region’s rich cultural and historical significance. Delegates visited Dongfengyun Town in Mile City, noted for its fusion of traditional and contemporary architecture, and Duoyishu Terraced Field in Yuanyang County, where centuries-old agricultural terraces display intricate and breathtaking craftsmanship. Acheco Village offered authentic Hani cultural experiences, while the Hani Historical and Cultural Museum provided deep insights into the heritage and lifestyle of the Hani people.
A standout feature of the visit was the “Night Talk on the Cloud,” an international youth dialogue session fostering vibrant discussions among participants. This forum enabled young delegates to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore collaborative opportunities in cultural heritage protection.
The cultural landscape of the Honghe Hani Terraces received high praise from attendees. Jose Diaz, the Colombian Ambassador to China, expressed his delight at visiting the terraces and engaging with the local community. “I am thrilled to be here and meet the wonderful people of Honghe. The terraces are a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. I look forward to further cooperation between China and Colombia in cultural heritage protection and rural development,” he stated, underscoring the event’s diplomatic and cultural significance.
Mohammad Al-Dmour, a Jordanian representative of the International Joint Media and a student of media in the Communication University of China shared his personal connection to the site. “ I find the Hani Terrace familiar and welcoming. The cultural customs and lifestyles are remarkable and this visit has deepened my appreciation for our shared heritage,” he noted, highlighting the cultural parallels and mutual respect fostered through such exchanges.
Baharu – an Ethopian of Fana Broadcasting Vorporate and the Director of TV News and Current Affairs Desk, was captivated by the area’s beauty and historical depth. “The scenery and landscape here is stunning, and the heritage of Hani Guge is particularly alluring. This visit has been a remarkable experience, and I hope to return in the future,” he remarked, emphasizing the personal and educational impact of the visit.
Youth exchanges like this event play a crucial role in strengthening international cooperation and fostering a community with a shared future for humanity. These exchanges provide platforms for young people from diverse backgrounds to interact, learn from each other, and build lasting relationships. In June 2023, the “International Youth Trip to China · Honghe” series garnered significant attention from UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, who ensured a response from the Special Representative, marking the event’s importance on an international scale.
Building on this foundation, the 2024 event allowed more Chinese and international youths to witness the ingenuity embedded in the Honghe Hani Terraces, gaining a deeper understanding of Chinese civilization. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the protection of world cultural heritage and the enhancement of global intercultural dialogues. The event underscored the importance of involving the younger generation in heritage conservation efforts, ensuring that the wisdom and traditions of the past are preserved for future generations.
The young international representatives agreed that the youth must be at the forefront of this preserving our heritage and culture and such events help greatly to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and promote the richness of their shared heritage. The International Youth World Cultural Heritage Protection Theme Visit in Honghe was a resounding success, fostering international understanding, collaboration, and a shared commitment to cultural heritage protection. The event not only highlighted the historical and cultural richness of the Honghe Hani Terraces but also underscored the critical role of youth in safeguarding world heritage, promoting intercultural dialogue, and building a more inclusive and connected global community.
