The Naples Conference will explore synergies between the 1972 World Heritage Convention, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage marking its 20th anniversary this year.

As the first major event on bringing together the World Heritage and Living Heritage Conventions following MONDIACULT, this Conference will celebrate heritage in its diverse forms, fostering enhanced and new forms of safeguarding through active participations of communities. Reflecting on the achievements of the two Conventions, discussions will center around the potential of heritage as a driver of sustainable development, peace and stability.

To ensure holistic and inclusive exchanges, the Conference will gather a diverse array of global cultural stakeholders as well as renowned thinkers and community leaders. Their perspectives will inspire an innovative approach to heritage that considers the close relationships between nature and culture, tangible and intangible, as well as heritage and creativity.

The Conference will be hosted by Italy and organized by UNESCO, in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Ministry of Culture, with the support of the City of Naples.