Youth Engagement in Cultural Preservation: Uniting Past and Future

Delegates of the 2023 International Youth Forum (Photo grabbed from the organizers)

The International Youth Forum 2023 provided an extraordinary opportunity for delegates from over 60 countries to explore the captivating cities of Changsha Center of Media Arts and Nanjing City of Literature in China. Through visits to museums, exhibits, and light shows, we immersed ourselves in the rich culture and history of the country. I hope to highlight the significance of embracing modernization while preserving cultural heritage and emphasize the role of youth engagement in promoting diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding.

Embracing Modernization and Cultural Heritage Preservation:

A notable observation during our visit to Changsha and Nanjing was the successful coexistence of modernization and the preservation of cultural heritage. It became evident that other countries, including my own, the Philippines, can learn from this approach. By embracing modernization while valuing and protecting our cultural heritage, we can strike a balance that ensures our identity and history remain intact amidst rapid development.

Youth Dialogue and Best Practices:

One of the key takeaways from the International Youth Forum 2023 was the importance of engaging in youth dialogue from multicultural perspectives. By facilitating discussions among young individuals from diverse backgrounds, we can gather and exchange best practices from different countries and regions around the world. This exchange of ideas and experiences serves as a catalyst for progress, fostering innovation in preserving cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary challenges.

Promoting Youth Creativity for Cultural Inclusion:

To encourage youth creativity and foster cultural inclusion, we must implement several key strategies:

1. Promote cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration: By creating opportunities for young people to engage in cross-cultural exchanges, we can foster understanding, empathy, and appreciation for diverse cultural backgrounds.
2. Provide a safe space and platform for sharing perspectives, stories, and artistic expressions: By establishing platforms that encourage youth to express themselves freely, we empower them to share their unique cultural experiences, stories, and art forms.
3. Nurture intercultural understanding and global citizenship: Education and awareness programs should focus on promoting intercultural understanding, enabling young individuals to become global citizens who appreciate and respect diverse cultural perspectives.
4. Invest in digital infrastructure and platforms: In an increasingly digital world, it is essential to invest in digital infrastructure and platforms that facilitate the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. Online resources, virtual exhibits, and interactive platforms can broaden access and engagement with cultural artifacts.
5. Promote cultural exchange programs: Encouraging cultural exchange programs, both within and between countries, allows young individuals to experience different cultures firsthand, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation.
6. Organize cultural festivals and events: Continuing to organize cultural festivals and events provides a platform for showcasing diverse cultural traditions, fostering community engagement, and preserving cultural heritage.

Yours truly during a presentation on “Cultural Inheritance and Innovation in the Context of Cultural Diversity.” Photo grabbed from IYF 2023 organizers

The Importance of Preserving Cultural Heritage:

Preserving and passing down our cultural heritage holds immense significance for several reasons:

1. Shaping identity: Cultural heritage plays a fundamental role in shaping individual and collective identities. By preserving our heritage, we maintain a sense of belonging and connection to our roots.
2. Reflecting social changes and innovation: Cultural heritage provides a lens through which we can understand the social changes and innovative practices that have shaped our communities over time. It serves as a testament to our ability to adapt and evolve.
3. Contributing to vitality, strength, and well-being: Cultural heritage is a source of pride, resilience, and community cohesion. It contributes to the ongoing vitality, strength, and well-being of communities by preserving traditions, values, and customs that have endured through generations.

Multi-Sectoral Collaboration:

To bring all these efforts to fruition, it is crucial to foster multi-sectoral collaboration among government institutions, schools, and youth organizations. By working together, these stakeholders can combine their resources, expertise, and influence to create vitality, strength, and well-being in communities worldwide.

Indeed, by embracing modernization while safeguarding our cultural treasures, we can create a harmonious balance between progress and heritage.