Macao joins Organisation of World Heritage Cities

Macao has become a member of an exclusive network of historic, global cities that work together to further the objectives of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. The Organisation of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) and the Macao SAR Government held a video conference in August to mark the event.

As part of the “Ceremony of the Affiliation of Macao Special Administrative Region in the OWHC”, the OWHC presented the Macao SAR with a membership certificate that was accepted by Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Ao Ieong U. The OWHC Secretary-General Lee Minaidis presented the certificate to Secretary Ao Ieong.

Macao is the third location in China to join the organisation, after Suzhou and Dujiangyan.

Secretary Ao Ieong said she was grateful to accept Macao’s membership to the group. She said the Historic Centre of Macao was testimony to the development of the city and was a crucial cultural resource that laid the groundwork for, and nurtured the future advancement of, the city.

Becoming an OWHC member allows Macao officials to access international information on World Heritage preservation. Membership will also enable Macao to participate in events based on sharing the experience of preserving World Heritage properties, helping raise Macao’s profile.

The OWHC is an international non-profit, non-governmental entity. The organisation aims to facilitate the implementation of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, to encourage the exchange of expertise among its members on matters of cultural heritage preservation and management, and to motivate further cooperation in the protection of World Heritage.

Since the Historic Centre of Macao was added to the World Heritage List in 2005, the Macao SAR Government has proactively fulfilled its responsibilities set forth in the World Heritage Convention, and increased exchanges with other cities concerning World Heritage preservation.