April 18 Marks World Heritage Day

Today, April 18, marks World Heritage Day, fondly known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites.

The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and to celebrate the diversity of our shared human history.

It's also dedicated to preserving human heritage and recognizing the efforts of the organizations that support it.

The theme of this year is "Heritage Changes" and it sheds light on learning about traditional ways of knowing and knowledge systems concerning climate action, and how to use a cultural heritage focus to support equitable protection of vulnerable communities through climate action while responding to the UN Decade of Action.

To mark the day, UNESCO organized various events and activities globally to highlight the significance of heritage sites, their role in shaping our history and identity, and the importance of their conservation. These events include exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, seminars, and other cultural programs.

The day was founded by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and was later approved by UNESCO during the 22nd General Conference in 1983.