Description
Book Synopsis: Best known for its World Heritage program committed to "the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity," the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was founded in 1945 as an intergovernmental agency aimed at fostering peace, humanitarianism, and intercultural understanding. Its mission was inspired by leading European intellectuals such as Henri Bergson, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Thomas Mann, H. G. Wells, and Aldous and Julian Huxley. Often critiqued for its inherent Eurocentrism, UNESCO and its World Heritage program today remain embedded within modernist principles of "progress" and "development" and subscribe to the liberal principles of diplomacy and mutual tolerance. However, its mission to prevent conflict, destruction, and intolerance, while noble and much needed, increasingly falls short, as recent battles over the World Heritage sites of Preah Vihear, Chersonesos, Jerusalem, Palmyra, Aleppo, and Sana'a, among others, have underlined.
A Future in Ruins is the story of UNESCO's efforts to save the world's heritage and, in doing so, forge an international community dedicated to peaceful co-existence and conservation. It traces how archaeology and internationalism were united in Western initiatives after the political upheavals of the First and Second World Wars. This formed the backdrop for the emergent hopes of a better world that were to captivate the "minds of men." UNESCO's leaders were also confronted with challenges and conflicts about their own mission. Would the organization aspire to intellectual pursuits that contributed to the dream of peace or instead be relegated to an advisory and technical agency? An eye-opening and long overdue account of a celebrated yet poorly understood agency, A Future in Ruins calls on us all to understand how and why the past comes to matter in the present, who shapes it, and who wins or loses as a consequence.
Details
Embark on a captivating journey through history and culture with A Future in Ruins: UNESCO, World Heritage, and the Dream of Peace. Discover the invaluable work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in preserving our world's treasures for future generations. Delve into the stories of iconic World Heritage sites and the tireless efforts to protect them from destruction. Explore the intersection of archaeology, internationalism, and the pursuit of peace in this enlightening book.
Uncover the profound impact of UNESCO's mission on global cooperation and understanding. Learn how this visionary organization was founded on the ideals of humanitarianism, cultural preservation, and intercultural dialogue. Despite challenges and conflicts, UNESCO's dedication to preventing conflict, promoting tolerance, and safeguarding heritage sites shines through in A Future in Ruins. Join us in celebrating the legacy of UNESCO and its ongoing quest for a more harmonious world.
Be inspired by the compelling narrative of A Future in Ruins as it sheds light on the critical role of UNESCO in shaping our collective memory and identity. Gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of cultural heritage and its impact on our shared future. Dive into this thought-provoking exploration of history, diplomacy, and the power of preservation. Experience the rich tapestry of human history through the pages of this illuminating book.
Ready to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment with A Future in Ruins? Explore the profound legacy of UNESCO and its tireless efforts to protect our world's heritage. Uncover the hidden stories behind iconic World Heritage sites and the challenges they face. Join us in celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity and the power of collaboration in shaping a better future for all.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of A Future in Ruins. Order your copy today and embark on a transformative exploration of UNESCO's mission to preserve the past for a brighter tomorrow. Experience the beauty of cultural heritage and the triumphs and tribulations of international cooperation. Let A Future in Ruins open your eyes to the importance of history, preservation, and peacebuilding.
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