University Mayor, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of India in Chile, will organize the First International Conference on “Connecting World Heritage Sites and Civilizations”. This is the first international conference of its kind and will be held over into two days.

Several institutions, including the UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Chile and the Municipality of Valparaiso, among others, have committed their support to this event. Experts from countries such as, interalia, Mexico, Brazil, India, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand and Chile, will participate in this prestigious international activity. This initiative was fostered by Prof. Sachchidanand Sahai, renowned Indian academician and historian dedicated to promote awareness about our heritage, and by H.E. Mr. Pradeep K. Kapur, Ambassador of India to Chile.

Over the last 40 years, UNESCO has taken significant steps towards identifying and classifying 936 monuments, spread among 151 Members of the Convention of World and Cultural Heritage. Of all these sites, 725 have been classified as “cultural heritage sites”, 183 are “natural heritage sites” and 28 are considered as “mixed”, meaning that they are regarded as both cultural and natural heritage. These expressions of human creativity are part of some of the greatest achievements of our civilization. The task performed by UNESCO has been extraordinary.

Intellectuals, administrators, politicians, academicians and members of corporate bodies will meet on a platform that will facilitate the exploration and exchange of practical and theoretical ideas. During these two days, experts, arts historians, anthropologists, archeological experts and architects will be able to present their perspectives about:

- Connecting World Heritage Sites found in different hemispheres of the world.
- Identifying unique and shared features of the civilizations of the world through the study of the monuments designated as World Heritage Sites.
- Reducing the physical/geographical and psychological distances between the civilizations and the monuments designated as World Heritage Sites through the Exchange of information and transnational contacts.
- Fostering interest in World Heritage Sites found in the furthest corners of the world and creation of infrastructure required for this task.

The activity will be divided into two sessions: the first session will be held in Santiago, and the second session will be held in Valparaiso. We kindly request you to visit the website of the Conference for further details about the event (http://www.umayor.cl/um/landing-patrimonio-humanidad/1170), or the website of the Embassy of India in Chile (www.embajadaindia.cl / www.facebook.com/IndianEmbassy.Santiago). Additionally, you may also contact:

1) Mrs. Virginia Arias, University Mayor (Tel: 328 1400, email virginia.arias@umayor.cl)
2) Mr. Pablo Muñoz, Embassy of India (Tel: 228 4141/ 228 6857, email administracion@embajadaindia.cl)

On this occasion, the “Valparaiso Declaration” will also be issued. A copy of the draft Declaration drafted by Professor Sachchidanand Sahai, Padma Shri Awardee, and Advisor, World Heritage Park of Angkor (APSARA National Authority) under the Royal Government of Cambodia, and Founder General Secretary, International Conference on Connecting World Heritage Sites and Civilizations is enclosed for information, and for seeking the comments and feedback of stakeholders and the civic society, through the support of the print and electronic media.

You are kindly requested to provide the name and contact details of the representative of your institution who will be associated with this event.