"What Is Heritage?" by David Wardrop | UN Westminster Branch Chairman

Summary

This video emphasizes the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible heritage, which are crucial to our identity and history. From cultural traditions like dance, music, and cuisine to natural landmarks and historic sites, these aspects of heritage must be safeguarded for future generations. Initiatives like digitizing historical documents and projects such as 'Save Muslim Heritage' highlight the shared responsibility of preserving these treasures for all of humanity, transcending cultural, religious, and national boundaries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding heritage is essential to understanding who we are, encompassing gender, age, likes, and dislikes.
• 🎶 Intangible heritage, such as dance, music, and food, is passed down through generations but is difficult to document.
• 📚 Some aspects of heritage, like valuable documents, are recorded but need to be digitized for preservation.
• 🌍 The 'Memory of the World' program ensures the digital preservation of important global documents for future generations.
• 🏙️ Communities can create or relive their heritage through creative cities, such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bradford, and Norwich in the UK.
• 📖 Norwich is a creative city known for its historical contributions, such as the start of parliamentary democracy and the abolition of slavery.
• ⛰️ Tangible heritage includes natural and cultural sites, such as the Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, and Britain’s Jurassic Coast.
• ⛪ Cultural heritage sites like Canterbury Cathedral and the city of Bam in Iran are part of humanity's collective legacy.
• 🤝 Heritage is a shared responsibility that unites us all, regardless of background, to care for and protect valuable sites.
• 💡 The Save Muslim Heritage initiative is crucial not only for Muslims but for all global communities, as preserving heritage benefits everyone.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's message?

The central theme of the speaker's message is the importance of preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing that these cultural elements define who we are and bind societies together across cultures and faiths.

What is meant by 'intangible heritage'?

'Intangible heritage' refers to cultural elements that are difficult to write down or physically preserve, such as music, dance, food, and customs, which are passed down through generations.

What does the speaker mean by the 'Memory of the World' program?

The 'Memory of the World' program is an initiative where countries digitize their most valuable documents and cultural materials to ensure they are preserved for future generations, even if the physical documents are fragile or deteriorating.

What examples does the speaker provide of tangible heritage?

Examples of tangible heritage provided by the speaker include natural sites like the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as cultural landmarks such as Canterbury Cathedral and the ancient city of Bam.

Why does the speaker believe it's important to preserve Muslim heritage specifically?

The speaker believes preserving Muslim heritage is crucial not only for Muslims but for all humanity because cultural heritage unites people across different faiths and backgrounds, and the loss of any part of our shared history would diminish the cultural legacy for everyone.

What role do 'creative cities' play in cultural heritage preservation?

Creative cities, like Norwich and Edinburgh, play a key role in cultural heritage preservation by fostering artistic and intellectual creativity. These cities are seen as centers of historical, literary, and artistic significance, contributing to the broader cultural landscape.

What is the connection between heritage and identity?

Heritage shapes our identity by defining who we are through the traditions, customs, and practices passed down from previous generations. It allows us to connect with our roots and understand our place within a broader cultural context.

What are the challenges associated with preserving intangible heritage?

The challenges of preserving intangible heritage include the difficulty in documenting and recording cultural practices that are often passed down orally or through performance, as well as the need to adapt these practices to modern times while maintaining their authenticity.

How does the speaker view the responsibility for preserving cultural heritage?

The speaker views the preservation of cultural heritage as a shared responsibility that transcends borders, religions, and cultures. It is a collective effort that involves everyone, as each part of our heritage contributes to the global cultural fabric.

What does the speaker hope to achieve with initiatives like Save Muslim Heritage?

The speaker hopes that initiatives like Save Muslim Heritage will bring attention to the preservation of Muslim cultural landmarks and documents, fostering a greater sense of responsibility for the protection of cultural heritage globally, ensuring that it is safeguarded for future generations.