Chief Executive receives World Heritage Certificate in Beijing

The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah today received the World Heritage Certificate for “The Historic Centre of Macao” in Beijing. State Councilor, Ms Chen Zhili relayed the certificate to Mr Ho at the ceremony, held in the Great Hall of the People, during which the certificates for the world heritages in Jilin and Liaoning provinces were also relayed. Mr Edmund Ho pledged the SAR’s commitment to conserve, display, educate, publicise and promote its world heritage, alongside other mainland cities and provinces with world heritages, making them last for generations. “We are delighted to be here today to receive the World Heritage Certificate distributed by the Central Government. While acknowledging that this is a hard-won honour, we recognise our responsibilities have been increased given that “The Historic Centre of Macao” along with the classified sites in Liaoning and Jilin Provinces, part of China’s heritage and the common wealth of humankind” he said. ‘“The Historic Centre of Macao’ is one of the most unique reflections of the meeting of Chinese and western cultures on Chinese soil. For more then four centuries, not only did Macao produced many “First in China”, but it also demonstrated the peaceful coexistence of different religions, cultures and ways of life, as well as reflecting the extent of Chinese culture’s vitality and tolerance. This tradition of peaceful coexistence and cultural, religious and ethnic diversity is of universal value to human progress and also serves as concrete inspiration for the Chinese people and their Macao compatriots to work together in building a harmonious society.” He said the inscription of “The Historic Centre of Macao” and other historical sites in the Mainland on the World Heritage List had “contributed to a more balanced and representative selection of China’s cultural heritage at the same time as it has enriched the treasures of the world.” Mr Ho convey his gratitude to the UNESCO, especially to the Director-General, Mr Koichiro Matsuura, the Central Government for its great support and meticulous care throughout the process of Macao’s inscription on the World Heritage list, and the Invaluable guidance and assistance of the experts and various organs of the State Council Vice Minister of Education, Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO and China’s representative to UNESCO’s Executive Board, Mr Zhang Xinsheng and the Director of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, Mr Shan Jixiang also spoke at the ceremony.