RT Conference Proceedings
SR 00
A1 Agarwal, Sharmishtha
T1 Heritage for Peace
YR 2018
FD 13-14th December 2017
K1 peace
K1 reconciliation
K1 conflict
K1 identity
K1 destruction
K1 humanity
K1 protection
K1 coexistence
K1 challenge
K1 community
K1 cultural heritage
K1 tolerance
K1 development
K1 democracy
K1 borders
K1 destruction of cultural heritage
K1 cultural significance
K1 cultural identity
K1 resilience
K1 post-war situations
AB UNESCO constitution says, ‘Since war begins in the minds of men and women, it is in the  minds of men and women that the defences of peace must be constructed’.  Warfare is about destroying identity, self and to a larger extent, humanity. By targeting heritage,  destruction of bridges, mosques, temples, churches and others, the assailant aims to cleave the  connections to the past and vision into the future of the victims. Culture plays a central role in identifying  the root cause of a conflict and facilitates in determining steps for ensuring everlasting peace and security.  One of the biggest challenges we are facing today is to unite people to share a peaceful coexistence.  Cultural heritage catalyzes social cohesion and reasons social exclusion and xenophobia. Ingress to  cultural services and active participation in cultural activities allows the destitute and impecunious to  conquer their adversities and partake in their inclusion in society.  It is through cultural programs, one can foster respect and value of diversity, understanding of the  “universal element” in all cultures, helping to “humanize” the other. Strategies should be multicultural  and inclusive, promoting gender equality.  In post conflict situations, cultural heritage becomes a tenacious means in restoring of communities,  aiding them to regain a sense of normality and reconnect with their identities. Reconciliation strategies  should be explored through cultural diplomacy.  Cultural heritage promotes democratic values and induces tolerance. Increasing acceptance and  understanding over cultural borders contributes to cultural freedom in a country, which is an important  democratic value. It is through these measures that formalization of the community organization and the  cooperation between Albanian and Serb craftsmen is seen in a Serbian enclave in Kosovo. These can be  perceived as building blocks contributing to sustainable peace and democratic development.
T2 ICOMOS 19th General Assembly and Scientific Symposium "Heritage and Democracy"
ED New Delhi, India
AV Published
LK http://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/2006/