World Heritage Convention 40th anniversary celebrations: Closing event

To conclude the 40th anniversary year, the World Heritage Centre and the Government of Japan will co-organize the "Closing Event of the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the World Heritage Convention" in Kyoto on 6-8 November 2012. This is made possible thanks to the generous contribution of the host government, directly as well as through the Japan Funds-in-Trust.

Watch the Celebration
General Information
Event Programme

The event is to present to the world beyond the traditional World Heritage community the year’s activities and conclusions drawn from the regional and thematic events, which will have taken place throughout the year. Reflecting upon the founding spirit of the Convention, as well as its achievements and its evolution over the last forty years, the event is also expected to discuss the significance of the World Heritage today to humanity. The agenda is to include a series of panel discussions on some specific contemporary concerns, such as ‘World Heritage and sustainable social and economic development and sustainable tourism, with communities,’ ‘disaster prevention and recovery from disaster with communities,’ and ‘international cooperation and public and private partnerships.” Approximately 600 people are expected to participate. All the sessions are plenary.

In this occasion, results of two other activities commemorating the 40^th anniversary will be presented. One is the one-off initiative of the Recognition of the Best Practices in World Heritage Management. The other is the launching of the book on World Heritage and Sustainable Development.

A youth programme is also scheduled, preceding the main event. The outcome of the youth programme will be shared at the main event.