‘Tales Through Old Cities’ event comes to the BACC

Historic cities around Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region are facing unprecedented challenges in terms of unrestrained urbanization, unplanned development and impacts of climate change.  At the same time, historic urban areas are gaining greater protection. In Thailand, more than 20 cities are now officially recognized and supported under the “Old Cities Conservation and Development” project under the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP).  

UNESCO is partnering with the Society for the Conservation of National Treasure and Environment (SCONTE), the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) and other agencies to organize an event on the theme “Tales Through Old Cities” between 28 January and 9 February 2020 at the BACC. The event includes exhibitions to promote urban conservation and discussion sessions to advance knowledge among the project participants and stakeholders on various topics.

The connection between culture and urbanism is particularly timely given the upcoming 10th World Urban Forum focusing on “Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation” from 8-13 February 2020 in Abu Dhabi.

As part of the event, UNESCO Bangkok will be organizing an exhibition of best practices from the regional UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation on the 5th floor of BACC. On February 1 from 10:00 to 12:00, UNESCO will convene a panel on the “Historic Urban Landscape” featuring Dr Banasophit Mekvichai  (former Deputy Governor of Bangkok) and Dr Matt Benson (Think City).  On February 6 from 13:00 to 14:30, UNESCO will convene a panel on “Social Entrepreneurship and Historic Cities” with the Fraunhofer Center IMW featuring Songkla Heritage, Chanthaburi, Arsom Silp and Ma:D Esan.

The event is open to the public. Please see details below.