What can the UNESCO World Heritage Designation do for Chinatown?

The Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC (CCHSBC) is pleased to host a public forum on the implications and benefits of earning the UNESCO World Heritage designation for Chinatown. To facilitate the conversation, we have invited Dr. Lee Ho Yin, University of Hong Kong, to share his expertise and experience in UNESCO-related heritage conservation and development projects.

The initiative to apply for the UNESCO World Heritage status is one of the recommendations put forward by the Historical Discrimination Against Chinese People in Vancouver Committee’s final report, which was approved by Vancouver’s City Council on October 31, 2017. Promoting Chinatown’s cultural heritage and sustainabilitty in a respectful manner is an integral part of the city’s ongoing reconciliation efforts. CCHSBC is delighted to contribute to this important process by facilitating conversations about the UNESCO World Heritage designation with local stakeholders.

Please note that this programme will be presented in English. Registration is Required.

Biography: Dr. Lee Ho Yin is a renowned scholar and experienced practitioner of heritage conservation in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Southeast Asia. He is one of the founders and current Division Head of the University of Hong Kong’s Architectural Conservation Programmes, and has been appointed by UNESCO and government agencies as an expert advisor for various heritage projects in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Indonesia, and Singapore. Dr. Lee currently chairs the Heritage Working Group for Tai Kwun (Central Police Station Revitalisation Project) and serves on the Urban Renewal Authority’s Planning, Development, and Conservation Committee in Hong Kong.