Bangkok, 11 November 2025 — SEAMEO SPAFA, the Reignwood Culture Foundation, and ConserVision Cultural Heritage have formally launched the World Heritage Leadership Capacity Building Platform, marking a new chapter in regional cooperation to strengthen cultural heritage resilience and leadership across the Asia-Pacific.
What the partnership means
The Platform will:
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build capacity for heritage professionals through targeted training and peer learning;
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strengthen leadership for risk preparedness, response, and long-term stewardship;
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foster cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange to address climate change, rapid development, and other systemic risks;
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support evidence-informed practice that safeguards cultural values and community well-being.
Plaque unveiling
The plaque unveiling ceremony was officiated by:
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Dr. Hatthaya Siriphatthanakun, Centre Director, SEAMEO SPAFA
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Ms. Shen Zhu, Former Secretary-General, Reignwood Culture Foundation
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Mr. Wei Qing, Director, ConserVision and TsingYuan Cultural Heritage
They were joined on stage by distinguished witnesses:
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Mr. Yang Xiaolong, Cultural Counselor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand
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Mrs. Kusuma Nawaphanpimol, Expert, Ministry of Education (Thailand)
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Ms. Khannittha Chotikavanich, Deputy Director-General, Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture (Thailand)
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Dr. Susan McIntyre-Tamwoy, Vice President, ICOMOS Asia-Pacific
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Dr. Rohit Jigyasu, Head, Disaster Risk Management Programme, ICCROM
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Dr. Lü Ning, Associate Professor, National Heritage Center, Tsinghua University
Next steps
The partner institutions will announce upcoming training activities, leadership seminars, and collaborative projects under the Platform in the coming months.
Media enquiries: John Itao, Communications Officer — Email: john@seameo-spafa.org
