“Reimagining Our Heritage: Stories of Resilience and Change”
The 2024 International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Roads (IYF), organized during 22-27 Sep in Changsha and Nanjing, brought together passionate young voices from around the globe, each eager to engage, learn, and collaborate on pressing youth issues. Here’s a recap of the Forum, as seen through the eyes of its vibrant participants. Now please follow all the youth participants and immerse yourselves in the 2024 IYF!
Start of the Journey: Setting the Stage
As the Forum commenced, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation. A day ahead of the opening ceremony, participants from diverse background had engaged in ice-breaking activities moderated by volunteered youth participants, and fostered friendship. They shared their hopes, expressing a desire to gain insights into effective youth engagement and to forge connections with like-minded peers.
Ice-breaking activities
To quote Fatima from UAE, “Among the many memorable aspects of the forum, the introduction session stood out the most. Interacting with fellow participants for the first time through a quick interview format allowed each of us to share interesting and unique facts about ourselves. This created a deeper connection right from the start, setting a warm and friendly tone for the days to come.”
The Forum featured inspiring opening ceremony and keynote speakers who shared their insights into building bridges on collaboration and heritage. Their powerful messages resonated deeply, motivating participants to reflect on their roles as changemakers.
Youth participants' group photo at the High-level Forum
Sonkarlay J.Y. Weamie from Liberia expressed how he was stimulated by the high-level speeches.
“The opening ceremony further sparked my interest in the vital role of cultural heritage in shaping our societies.” Such enthusiasm resonated throughout the room, inspiring others to articulate their own aspirations for the Forum.
He also gave an account about the high-level forum. “The high-level forum presentations provided valuable insights into the intersection of digital technology, creativity, and cultural heritage, and they align closely with the work I aim to pursue upon returning to Liberia, particularly around fostering creativity and preserving cultural heritage along the Silk Roads.”
Niriko Jouberthe Raissa Razafiarivony from Madagascar also shared the same feeling. She particularly mentioned her gains about leveraging technologies into heritage preservation. “Learning from experts like Prof. HE Renke and Prof. Eugene Ch’ng on the integration of AI and emerging technologies into heritage preservation was particularly eye-opening. These discussions inspired me to think about how such innovations could be applied in Madagascar to protect and promote our cultural heritage”. As a local tour guide with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and cultural heritage, she has developed a deep appreciation for the region’s unique biodiversity and rich cultural history.
In fact, the use of AI and other advanced technologies in the preservation of heritage is a recurring theme throughout the week and has left a deep impression on many participants.
"One unexpected takeaway from the forum was the profound role that technology can play in the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Many sessions discussed how digital tools, virtual reality, and social media can serve as platforms to bring cultural heritage to a broader audience, especially the younger generation. For example, technology allows us to digitally restore artifacts, create virtual museums, and connect people from around the world in real-time cultural exchanges. These tools help not only in preserving heritage but also in making it accessible and engaging for modern audiences. This blend of tradition and technology is key to ensuring that heritage remains alive and evolving."
—— Md Ahnaf Tahmid ANON (Bangladesh)
The “Reimagining Our Past, Inspiring Our Future” youth sharing session and group work on SDGxHeritage poster making on the third day were a highlight of the Forum, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation. Participants shared their culture, traditions and customs in the youth sharing sessions, and dove into topics ranging from cultural heritage, youth empowerment, tech advancements to sustainability, gaining valuable skills and perspectives. Groupwork facilitated rich conversations, allowing participants to explore common challenges and brainstorm solutions. The diverse backgrounds of attendees sparked dynamic exchanges.
“The SDGxHeritage poster project was a symphony of our collective creativity, showcasing how preserving our past can pave the way for a sustainable tomorrow. The diverse discussions and collaborative activities inspired me to explore our shared heritage while honoring the unique perspectives each participant brought.”
——Sultanbekova Danara (Uzbekistan)
The poster, featuring a vibrant tree with colorful branches and the phrase "Going Back to Our Roots," captured the essence of heritage preservation. It skillfully portrayed how cultural heritage, like the deep roots of a tree, provides strength and identity, while creativity and innovation allow communities to grow and adapt to modern challenges.
Cultural exchange activities celebrated the rich diversity of youth perspectives. During the youth sharing sessions and the field trips in the two cities: Changsha and Nanjing, participants shared their traditions, art, and stories, creating a tapestry of experiences that fostered unity and understanding.
Intangible cultural heritage experience
Johnson Abayi from Ghana highlighted his deep impression about the two city trips. “Changsha, a UNESCO City of Media Art, left me in awe with its seamless blend of history and technological innovation. The city’s breathtaking sites like Tianxin Pavilion, the Orange Island, and the Meixi Lake Culture and Arts Center not only preserved their rich heritage but elevated it through media art and cutting-edge technology. Meanwhile, Nanjing, UNESCO’s City of Literature, captured the essence of literature in ways that left me mesmerized; anyone seeking to understand the depth of literary history should definitely visit this incredible city.”
Omar Medhat from Egypt resonated with him and underscored his vision for future. “Getting to explore the rich history and culture of Changsha and Nanjing gave me a deeper appreciation for China’s past and filled me with hope for a future where we can all work together.”
Additionally, Zehra from Pakistan particularly mentioned the cultural exchanges among the youth participants themselves. “What made it even more special was witnessing the cultural heritage of 60 participants from around the world. Each one brought a piece of their own country’s legacy, creating a vibrant tapestry of global stories, traditions, and innovations. From tangible landmarks to intangible heritage like language and customs, the forum beautifully highlighted the richness of our collective past.”
As the Forum concluded, participants shared their reflections and future commitments. Many spoke of newfound commitments to advocate for youth issues and engage in community initiatives. Their passion resonated with many, reinforcing the Forum’s impact on individual resolve.
“I am excited to use what I have learned in my work with environmental conservation and community development,” said Zuliehat Ohunene Abdullahi, a dedicated environmental researcher and advocate for climate change mitigation and rights of marginalized communities from Nigeria.
“I’m leaving with not just new knowledge, but a renewed drive to create positive change, both in my community and on a larger scale.”
—— Omar Medhat (Egypt)
Some participants recorded their journey and created vlogs to capture the memory. Let's watch a vlog by Malika Gizzat from Kazakhstan to have a glimpse of the 2024 IYF!
Video link:
https://youtu.be/LUh_TDFkLFM
As we reflect on the incredible energy and insights shared at the IYF, it’s essential to recognise the vital role of youth in shaping our future. UNESCO is deeply committed to prioritising youth voices and development, recognising that young people are key agents of change. We encourage all youth to engage in similar initiatives, to share their stories, and to take action on the issues that matter to them. Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
UNESCO Youth webpage:
https://www.unesco.org/en/youth
IYF webpage:
https://www.unesco.org/en/international-youth-forum?hub=66929
