SAARC Cultural Centre is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the SAARC Capacity Building Workshop on Management Systems of World Heritage Sites in South Asia. The Workshop which had lectures, discussions and case studies on existing management systems relating to the World Heritage Sites, was held from 26-31 August 2013 at the Islamabad Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan. The workshop was attended by over 30 participants, all of whom were mid/senior level professionals from South Asian countries.
The workshop was convened with a view to promote conservation and management of World Heritage Sites in South Asia through capacity building amongst professionals involved in Heritage Sites Management and to transmit them to future generations in accordance with the Article 4 of the World Heritage Convention.
Inaugural Session
The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Muhammad Bilal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Government of Pakistan. The Welcome Address was delivered by Mr. G. L. W. Samarasinghe, Director, SAARC Cultural Centre. Dr. Fazal Dad Kakar, Director General, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Government of Pakistan delivered the Keynote Address while Ms. Nirekha De Silva, Research Officer, SAARC Cultural Centre proposed the Vote of Thanks.
Academic Sessions
A total of six Academic Sessions were conducted for the purpose of sharing of practical knowledge along the following themes:
The sessions included lectures, presentations, group discussions, group work and critical feedback sessions.
Round Table
Three Round Tables on ‘Acceptable Management System of World Heritage Sites in South Asia’, ‘Management Plan for the World Heritage Sites’ and ‘Effective Methods for Improving Management Systems’ were held and were led by Mr. Muhammad Habibullah Khan Kattak (Pakistan), Mr. Jayatissa Herath (Sri Lanka) and Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema (Pakistan) respectively.
Field Trip
A Field Trip to the World Heritage Site of Taxila Valley was organized on 28 August 2013.
Taxila is an important archaeological site in Rawalpindi, (Punjab) Pakistan that was in ancient times positioned at the crossroads of three great trade routes from Eastern India, Western Asia and Central Asia. It was an early centre of learning dating back to the 5th century BCE. The site is home to numerous ancient Buddhist monuments.
The Plenary Session
At the conclusion of the Academic Sessions, a Plenary Session was held on 31 August 2013 as a closed door event with the participation of all Resource Persons and Chair Persons of the Academic Sessions. It was chaired by Dr. Fazal Dad Kakar. The Plenary Committee summarized the main suggestions emerging out of the deliberations and prepared a document laying out a road-map in the form of recommendations for the SAARC Member States. Recommendations covered a wide array of areas including administration, legal, research, capacity building, finance and technology which would be sent to the Member States for guidance and implementation.
Valedictory Session
The Valedictory Session of the workshop was held at the picturesque location of Hotel Monal at the Margalla hills, Islamabad. Mr. Muhammad Azam, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Government of Pakistan, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and distributed certificates and mementos to all participants of the workshop. The event was also attended by other dignitaries and distinguished invitees from Pakistan.
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