Europe-Asia Center: Discussing Cultural Heritage at the 3rd UNESCO International High-Level Forum on Museums
- Europe-Asia Center
- Apr 26
- 1 min read
Hangzhou, April 26th, 2025
On 23-25 April, the Europe-Asia Center, represented by its Secretary-General Yan Rui and her Office Director Yan Junru, attended the 3rd UNESCO International High-Level Forum on Museums, held at the iconic Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou, China.
Convening more than 300 leading museum directors, cultural policymakers, scholars, and heritage experts from across the globe, the forum provided an inspiring setting for discussions on the evolving role of museums in a rapidly changing world.
The forum was opened by Mr. Ernesto Ottone Ramírez, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, who shared UNESCO’s vision for the future of museums. “Museums must transform from repositories of objects to vibrant spaces for intercultural dialogue and social cohesion,” he remarked.
The event also featured a keynote address by Mr. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Prime Minister of France and UNESCO Special Envoy, who emphasized the vital role of museums in fostering international understanding and diplomacy.
The forum concluded with the tentative adoption of the Hangzhou Declaration on Museums and Sustainable Development, a visionary framework outlining practical actions for museums to support the UN 2030 Agenda.
For press enquiries:
Jonathan Schwestka, Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center
