Photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows representatives for the third UNESCO High-level Forum for Museums visiting Liangzhu National Relics Park in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Liu Ziyi)
BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Over 190 museum directors, experts and representatives from over 60 countries, gathered in east China's Zhejiang Province, to discuss the innovative development of museums.
They were attending the third UNESCO High-level Forum for Museums, which was opened in Liangzhu, Hangzhou City on Wednesday.
Photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows representatives attending exchange sessions of the third UNESCO High-level Forum for Museums. (Xinhua/Liu Che)
Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO, described museums as "beacons for resilience and hope" in his speech.
"Museums are guardians of memory, catalysts for creativity, and bridges toward a more equal, inclusive, and sustainable society." He added that museums, as one of the most visited cultural institutions globally, are also facing multiple challenges in their development trajectory.
The three-day forum, focuses on sharing international expertise about the evolution and transformation of museums, the role of museums in the protection, safeguarding and promotion of cultural heritage, social and economic development and the enhancement of inclusive education, and the integration of digital technologies in museum management.
The agenda includes keynote speeches, thematic discussions, exchange sessions, and field visits.
In addition, the forum will also explore the virtual museum of looted cultural artifacts, display cutting-edge technologies, and discuss challenges and innovations in contemporary museology. The outcomes will be compiled into a report to be submitted to the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development scheduled for September 2025 in Spain.
(Edited by Li Shimeng with Xinhua Silk Road, lishimeng@xinhua.org)