The World in Florence 2021
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Narrating Places – Heritage as a Tool for Peace and Social Cohesion
Introduction
The first edition of The World in Florence was held in 2021, inaugurating what would become a global platform for intercultural dialogue and territorial storytelling. Born as an evolution of the 2019 Appeal Building Peace through Heritage presented at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Baku, the festival was immediately recognized as a laboratory of exchange and innovation, bringing together voices from different parts of the world to share new ways of understanding and living cultural heritage.
Over 35 countries participated, involving universities, institutions, young people, and local communities. The 2021 edition laid the foundations for a new global community of “heritage narrators”, committed to building peace through culture.
Theme of the Edition: Narrating Places
The theme of 2021, Narrating Places, focused on the power of cultural heritage as a tool for peace and social cohesion. Participants explored how storytelling, when rooted in heritage, can promote dialogue, overcome stereotypes, and strengthen mutual respect.
Through narrative, territories were transformed into bridges of connection, where traditions, memories, and contemporary challenges converged in a shared language of peace.
Highlights of the 2021 Edition
Multimedia Exhibitions: territories from around the world were presented through videos, images, and stories created by students and communities.
International Conference: experts, institutions, and cultural organizations discussed the role of heritage in fostering intercultural dialogue.
Youth Involvement: students from numerous universities became protagonists of the event, sharing their perspectives on their territories and cultures.
Art and Performance: music, theater, and artistic initiatives enriched the program, underlining the link between creativity and cultural identity.
Program
The 2021 program included:
Opening Ceremony in Florence with institutional and cultural representatives.
Multimedia Territorial Narratives, presented by universities and local communities from participating countries.
Thematic Panels on heritage, peace, and intercultural dialogue.
Workshops and Educational Activities dedicated to students and young professionals.
Performances and Cultural Events, celebrating diversity through art.
👉 [Download the full program – PDF] (qui inserire link al file)
Key Speakers & Contributions
The 2021 edition featured contributions from Francesco Bandarin, former UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, who addressed the role of heritage as a tool for social cohesion; Giovanni Puglisi, Honorary President of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO; and Peter Debrine, Senior Project Officer at UNESCO World Heritage Centre, who reflected on sustainable cultural tourism. The discussions emphasized the importance of young narrators in shaping intercultural dialogue.
Participating Countries
Australia · Azerbaijan · Bahrain · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Bulgaria · Burundi · Cameroon · China · Congo · Croatia · Czech Republic · El Salvador · Georgia · Greece · Hungary · India · Indonesia · Italy · Japan · Kazakhstan · Kosovo · Kyrgyzstan · Lithuania · Madagascar · Mexico · Morocco · Nigeria · Poland · Romania · Russia · Slovakia · Sri Lanka · Taiwan · Ukraine · USA
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🎥 Watch videos from the 2021 edition
