The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation – UNESCO – has listed more than 1000 historical and natural sites in the world. With 38 sites already listed in Southeast Asia and many more submitted for review, culture, histories and landscapes have been recognised for our unique value for mankind. Learning and sharing how to manage the world heritage sites sustainably among the 10-member states in ASEAN is vital. Sukhothai will be the venue for the 1st summit; this site has been governed by the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public organisation), Thailand or known as DASTA. The “built to thrive” journey through a joint effort of all stakeholders has made an integrated and community-based management model recognised as one of its world-class case examples. DASTA will therefore call for action to convene the first ASEAN world heritage summit.
The objectives of this summit are set forth as followed:
- Knowledge sharing about inclusive and sustainable management within the World Heritage site
- Understand the essences of World Heritage Convention (by UNESCO) in a changing environment
- Joint force to strengthening protection of ASEAN world heritage sites
- Explore ways to effectively engage communities and empower communities to achieve sustainable tourism development goals
- Enhance thematic route and connectivity among ASEAN world heritage sites with a focus on Air and Land Connectivity
- Expected number of delegates from both Thailand and representatives from ASEAN member states: 100 persons
