In view of the increasing number of catastrophes – natural and human-induced – that have been affecting cultural heritage around the world, it is ever more important that cities strive for effective disaster prevention and response measures. For this reason the OWHC will have as its theme “World Heritage Cities, Resilient Cities” at its World Congress to be held in Arequipa, Peru, 3-6 November 2015.

 

As a precursor to the World Congress, the OWHC organized on 3 July 2015, in the course of the 39^th Session of the World Heritage Committee that took place in Bonn, Germany, 28 June – 8 July 2015, a Side Event entitled “Cooperation for Resilient World Heritage Cities, UNESCO – UNISDR – ICCROM- ICOMOS –OWHC”. By hosting a panel of experts in this field, the event addressed issues revolving around cultural heritage, its protection and its role in building resilient urban communities.   Those participating in the panel were:

 

Denis Ricard

Secretary General of the OWHC

 

Michael Turner

Chargé de mission to the Director, UNESCO World Heritage Centre

UNESCO Chair in Urban Design and Conservation Studies,

Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem

ICOMOS Israel

 

Giovanni Boccardi

Chief of Unit

Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit

Culture Sector, UNESCO

 

Jerry Velasquez

Chief, Advocacy and Outreach Section 

Chief, Making Cities Resilient Program

UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)

 

Joe King

Unit Director, Sites Unit

ICCROM

 

Matthias Ripp

World Heritage Coordinator of the Planning and Building Division

OWHC Regional Coordinator, North West Europe Regional Secretariat

Regensburg, Germany

 

 

The success of the event can be measured in the large number of persons in attendance, the interest shown through the many questions and observations from the audience as well as the positive comments expressed in the days after. The OWHC expresses its great appreciation to the members of the panel to whom may be attributed the successful outcome of the event.