ACHA General Assembly in Chongqing Advances Cultural Heritage Protection – iChongqing

Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia Convenes to Advance Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Framework for Sustainable Heritage Conservation

The Second General Assembly and Third Council Meeting of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia (ACHA) was held in Chongqing on November 27th. The assembly gathered representatives from 33 nations and international bodies to fortify regional cooperation in cultural heritage conservation, directly contributing to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event underscored the critical role of cultural heritage in achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Key Outcomes and Contributions to the SDGs

The assembly produced several key outcomes that strengthen the institutional framework for heritage protection and foster international partnerships, aligning with multiple SDGs.

1. Institutional Strengthening for Peace and Justice (SDG 16): The signing of the Host Country Agreement between China and ACHA grants the Alliance legal status and diplomatic privileges. This development establishes ACHA as a robust intergovernmental institution capable of operating independently, thereby strengthening the mechanisms for peaceful cooperation and governance in the cultural sector.
2. Protecting Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Communities (SDG 11): The core mission of ACHA directly addresses SDG Target 11.4, which calls for strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The release of the ACHA Chongqing Consensus, endorsed by over 20 countries, reaffirms a collective commitment to creating a sustainable Asian community by preserving its shared heritage.
3. Fostering Global Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): The assembly was a prime example of SDG 17 in action. Key partnerships were solidified, including:
   • A Joint Statement and cooperation agreement between China and Egypt to enhance the protection of World Cultural Heritage, focusing on capacity-building, site management, and risk management.
   • The accession of Greece as a partner country, expanding the Alliance’s collaborative network beyond Asia.
   • The announcement of 15 ACHA Fund-supported projects for 2024–2025, involving nations such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating a commitment to financial and technical partnerships.
4. Promoting Education, Innovation, and Economic Growth (SDG 4, SDG 8, SDG 9): The Alliance’s activities promote quality education and economic opportunities.
   • The establishment of the ACHA Scientific and Technological Committee will drive innovation (SDG 9) in conservation.
   • Ongoing cooperation in talent development and academic exchange contributes to Quality Education (SDG 4).
   • The showcase of intangible cultural heritage, such as Jingdezhen ceramics and Shu embroidery, highlights the potential of the creative economy to provide decent work and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8).

A Unified Vision for a Sustainable Future

Delegates, including ministers and high-level officials from the Maldives, Iran, and Egypt, recognized ACHA as an essential platform for dialogue and technical cooperation. The Chongqing Consensus solidifies this vision, positioning the protection of Asia’s cultural heritage as a significant contribution to global cultural exchange and the creation of a harmonious and prosperous future. The Alliance’s expanding influence and project-based approach demonstrate a tangible commitment to leveraging cultural heritage as a driver for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals across Asia and beyond.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article’s central theme is the conservation of cultural heritage, which is a primary component of creating sustainable and culturally rich communities. The establishment and activities of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia (ACHA) are directly aimed at preserving cultural assets, as stated in its mission to foster “cooperation in talent development, conservation and restoration, academic exchange, exhibitions, and joint archaeological research.”
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article is a clear example of SDG 17 in action. It describes a multi-stakeholder, international partnership (ACHA) involving 33 countries and organizations. It highlights specific bilateral agreements, such as the one between China and Egypt, and the endorsement of the “Chongqing Consensus” by over 20 countries, all of which exemplify global and regional partnerships to achieve common goals.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article connects to SDG 4 through its emphasis on knowledge sharing and capacity building. The ACHA framework promotes “talent development,” “academic exchange,” and “capacity-building” to enhance skills in heritage conservation. This contributes to education for sustainable development and promotes an appreciation of cultural diversity and mutual learning among different civilizations.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses the strengthening of an international institution. By signing the “Host Country Agreement,” China granted ACHA “legal status and diplomatic privileges required to operate independently.” This action represents the development of an effective, accountable, and inclusive institution at the international level, dedicated to a specific aspect of global governance.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • This is the most directly relevant target. The entire purpose of the ACHA meeting, the agreements signed (e.g., between China and Egypt on World Cultural Heritage), and the funded projects are aimed at protecting and safeguarding cultural heritage across Asia and beyond. The article mentions the protection of both tangible (archaeological sites) and intangible heritage (Jingdezhen ceramics, Shu embroidery).
2. Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge-sharing.
   • The establishment of the “ACHA Scientific and Technological Committee” is a direct action towards this target. Furthermore, the emphasis on “exchange of expertise” and “joint archaeological research” demonstrates a commitment to sharing knowledge and technology for heritage conservation among member nations.
3. Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries.
   • The cooperation framework of ACHA explicitly includes “talent development” and “capacity-building.” The agreement between China and Egypt also specifies “capacity-building” as a key area, showing a clear intent to support national plans for heritage conservation through international cooperation.
4. Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including… appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
   • The article states that delegates agreed that protecting Asia’s cultural heritage will “contribute meaningfully to cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations.” This aligns with promoting global citizenship and appreciating cultural diversity as a contribution to sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 11.4:
   • Financial resources allocated to heritage preservation: The article explicitly mentions the release of “15 ACHA Fund-supported projects for 2024–2025.” The number of projects and the associated budget (implied by the fund’s existence) serve as a direct indicator of financial commitment.
   • Number of international cooperation agreements: The signing of the “Joint Statement on the Asian Initiative for Cultural Heritage Conservation” and the agreement between China and Egypt are concrete indicators of international policy and cooperation efforts.
2. For Target 17.6 & 17.9:
   • Number of collaborative platforms and initiatives: The establishment of the “ACHA Austronesian and Maritime Civilization Committee” and the “ACHA Scientific and Technological Committee” are measurable indicators of new platforms for cooperation. The mention of ongoing “academic exchange, exhibitions, and joint archaeological research” also serves as a qualitative indicator of knowledge-sharing activities.
3. For Target 16.6:
   • Formalization of international institutions: The signing of the “Host Country Agreement” which grants ACHA “legal status and diplomatic privileges” is a clear, verifiable indicator of the development of an effective and recognized international institution.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ichongqing.info