This session examines how cultural heritage can serve as a powerful force for peace, resilience, and sustainable development in times of crisis and transformation. Contributions will highlight the importance of locally grounded values and community-driven practices in strengthening social cohesion and inclusive governance. Case studies will underline the central role of women and indigenous knowledge in sustaining traditions, resilience, and empowerment.

The session will also discuss the reorientation of cultural tourism away from extractive models toward approaches that foster intercultural dialogue, regeneration, and solidarity. In addition, it will reflect on the future of cultural indicators, the integration of heritage into recovery efforts in conflict-affected regions, and the use of innovative frameworks to assess damage and resilience.

Together, these perspectives demonstrate how heritage is not only to be safeguarded, but also mobilised as an active agent of dialogue, empowerment, and reconciliation—fully in line with the SDG Working Group’s mission to embed culture at the core of sustainable futures.

We warmly invite you to join us in Lumbini as we examine the many ways heritage can provide pathways toward sustainable development. The events will be held in hybrid format.

We look forward to welcoming you in Lumbini!