Speech of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR Government,. Dr. Chui Sai On, after the inscription into the World Cultural Heritage List

“The Historic Centre of Macao” has now been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, making it the 31st World Heritage site in China. On behalf of the Macao SAR Government of the People’s Republic of China, may I thank the distinguished members of the World Heritage Committee for their support and acknowledgement of Macao’s outstanding value. This honour will be treasured by the people of Macao, China and all those who have supported this process. Many parties have been involved in this long, arduous process. It has succeeded thanks to the full support of the central government, and the tremendous endeavours of the Macao SAR Government and citizens. Inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO list will bolster Macao people’s understanding of their role in Chinese and world history and give them a profound sense of pride and ownership in their cultural identity. Heritage sites across the globe reveal the range and depth of cultural manifestations and contributions throughout the history of humankind. Identification of these sites and inscription on the World Heritage List promotes local understanding and fosters greater community awareness of the importance of retracing history and discovering the wisdom of earlier generations. Listing also stimulates growth in tourism and related industries, thereby playing a key role in raising the standard of living and enhancing the local cultural environment. Most significant, however, is the fact that this recognition nurtures an atmosphere of cultural dialogue locally, regionally and internationally, thus paving the way for future social development. Now that “The Historic Centre of Macao” has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, the people of Macao are entrusted with a vital mission: the protection of this heritage for all humankind. Macao will work to develop a full management coordination system based on already well-established planning and conservation measures. Greater ties with the international community and stronger scientific and academic research on heritage-related topics will enhance local know-how and push training forward. The social beneficiation of heritage sites will also be a focus for development, integrating them into an overall programme of sustainable development in Macao. All of these steps depend on tight cooperation between public and private sectors, in which the vigorous participation of Macao people across the board is a critical factor. It is thanks to the local community, as past and present guardians of Macao’s cultural heritage, that our city has become a symbol of tolerance and peaceful coexistence of cultures. As guardians of a part of the UNSCO World Heritage, let us work together to continue cherishing this precious legacy for all humankind.