Dive into Heritage Project showcased at 46th World Heritage Committee session
On 23 July 2023, during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, UNESCO organized a side event to showcase the progress and achievements of the 'Dive into Heritage' project.
Generously funded by the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, this event presented an opportunity to highlight the project's advancements to a broader audience, invite States Parties to share their digital World Heritage data with UNESCO, and encourage resource mobilization efforts.
The event commenced with opening addresses by Mr Ernesto Ottone R., Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO and representatives of Saudi Arabia Mr Mohammad Alaidaroos and Mr Majed Alanazi, setting the stage for a comprehensive presentation on the project's outcomes. A key highlight was the demonstration of the current prototype of the Dive into Heritage platform, which integrates cutting-edge digital technologies to enhance online access to World Heritage sites.
A keynote speech by Manuel Fiol from UNITAR/UNOSAT, titled "Bridging Cultural Heritage and Communities through Digital Technologies," provided valuable insights into the development process of the platform. This was followed by an expert panel discussion on "Digital Doors to Heritage: Enhancing User Experience and Online Access to World Heritage Sites," featuring distinguished speakers Dr Ona Vileikis (ICOMOS CIPA), Dr Heba Aziz (UNESCO Chair on World Heritage Management and Sustainable Tourism at GUtech), and Dr Hyeseung Shim (KAIST).
The event also marked the launch of an innovative VR exhibition, allowing attendees to virtually explore digitized World Heritage sites. This immersive experience aimed to demonstrate the potential of digital technologies in making cultural heritage more accessible and engaging.
The Dive into Heritage project is a testament to the power of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. As it continues to evolve, the project promises to set new standards for the digital documentation and dissemination of World Heritage sites, ensuring their protection and appreciation for future generations.
