Mission Statement for the UNESCO-UNITWIN Network on Culture in Emergencies
The UNESCO-UNITWIN Network on Culture in Emergencies is committed to safeguarding cultural heritage and diversity during times of crisis. Recognizing culture as a cornerstone of peace, resilience, and sustainable development, the Network addresses threats posed by armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other emergencies. It aims to integrate cultural considerations into emergency response and recovery efforts, ensuring the preservation of cultural identity and heritage for future generations.
Why the UNITWIN Network is Essential
In today’s world, cultural heritage faces increasing risks from emergencies that threaten to erase the identities and heritage of communities worldwide. The UNITWIN Network plays a vital role in safeguarding this heritage through three key areas:
Enhancing Preparedness and Response
- Developing and disseminating legal frameworks, tools, and best practices for protecting cultural heritage in emergencies.
- Providing training and capacity-building programs to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective crisis response.
Promoting Cultural Resilience
- Supporting research and initiatives that emphasize the role of culture in peace building and sustainable development.
- Fostering community resilience by ensuring cultural heritage and practices are preserved and integrated into recovery efforts.
Facilitating Policy Development
- Advocating for stronger legal protections for cultural heritage at national, regional, and international levels.
- Offering strategic advice and support to policymakers in developing and implementing policies that safeguard cultural heritage during emergencies.
“ … any damage to cultural property, irrespective of the people it belongs to, is a damage to the cultural heritage of all humanity, because every people contributes to the world’s culture … ”
Preamble of the 1954 Hague Convention