World Heritage Day 2024

The International Day for Monuments and Sites also known as World Heritage Day is an international observance held on 18 April each year around the world with different types of activities, including visits to monuments and heritage sites, conferences, round tables and newspaper articles. (Wikipedia)

World Heritage UK, is an organisation set up in 2015 to undertake networking, advocacy and promotion for the UK’s 33 outstanding World Heritage Sites, and the Tentative List Sites progressing towards WHS status.

World Heritage Sites are places from all around the world that are considered so important for the shared understanding and future of our planet we should look after them forever. There are more than 1100 Sites globally, some are natural like the Great Barrier Reef or the Serengeti, and many are man-made like Stonehenge or the Taj Mahal. World Heritage Sites are identified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), but looked after locally.

“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” (UNESCO's motto)

What is World Heritage and why is it important?

Heritage is the planet’s legacy from the past, what is lived with today, and what is passed on to future generations. Its cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.

World Heritage is a means to promote peace and cooperation amongst countries as World Heritage belongs to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.

Simply put, World Heritage Sites are so globally special and unique that they are worthy of protecting and celebrating.

For more information click here