Opening Doors: A New Phase for OurWorldHeritage
During the pandemic, OurWorldHeritage organised #2021debate—a year-long series of public webinars featuring over 600 speakers worldwide, aimed at amplifying the voices of local communities in (World) Heritage governance. This generated a strong online network with over 3,600 newsletter subscribers and thousands of online followers. Post-COVID, daily life resumed, but our inspiration has not fade. Although we have been quieter in recent years, the online community still exists—and we want to bring it back to life in a way that everyone can benefit from it. Heritage communities, site managers, organisations, scholars, and committed individuals can benefit from it through finding visibility, making connections and finding solidarity. To make this happen, we focus on three main areas.
1. Community sourced Newsletter
We invite you to share what matters: storys, books, websites, fundraisers, films, projects, or job opportunities—your own work or someone else’s. We welcome content that centres heritage spaces and places in community life. Submissions must be freely accessible, available online, and credit all local contributors. Do you want to submit an item? Share it via the OWH Share page.
2. Open Monthly Meetings
We are launching Monthly Meetings — a space to connect, share updates, exchange ideas, and discuss the ongoing work of OurWorldHeritage. Everyone interested in supporting activities, or simply wishing to stay in touch, is welcome. Meetings take place on the first Friday of each month. More information is available on the OWH Monthly Meetings page.
3. Local-Global advocacy
OWH advocates for the recognition of local communities as key actors in the care of heritage. Governments and organisations must continue to support this. OWH representatives (you can be one) help sustain that message in regional and global forums. More information will be available soon.
Do you want to join or support the platform? Please be guided by the entry portal step-in. OurWorldHeritage is a continuous work in progress, shaped by the time and energy of our volunteers. If you feel a strong drive to contribute, you are very welcome. But active engagement is never a requirement for being part of this network: everyone who shares our vision belongs here.
About the Author
Maaike Goedkoop served as the coordinator of the #2021debate Global Outreach Team, and recently step up as the new President for OurWorldHeritage.
