Newswise — On Thursday, September 19th, Global Heritage Fund (GHF) celebrated Women Leaders in World Heritage at the historic St James’s Palace in London. The evening honored four women leaders in the global heritage field: Vice President of Europa Nostra Androulla Vassiliou, Chairperson of the JSW Foundation Sangita Jindal, New York City Landmarks Preservation Commissioner Adi Shamir-Baron, and Former Chair of the Indonesian Heritage Society Ro King.
"The women we celebrate tonight are agents of change. Their leadership is critical to cultural heritage protection and the success of our efforts around the world," said Executive Director Nada Hosking, the first female leader of Global Heritage Fund. "They know that when we invest in women and girls, whole communities benefit."
The evening also featured presentations by four GHF women project directors. Moroccan architect and anthropologist Dr Salima Naji presented on community protection of Communal Granaries in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Beijing-based preservation architect Dr Kuanghan Li discussed the importance of empowering craftswomen in Dali Village, China. Indian preservation architect Ms Abha Narain Lambah explored conservation in the historic site of Hampi, India. Turkish architect conservator Dr Ebru Torun emphasized the importance of women archaeologists and artisans in Sagalassos, Turkey.
“It was an honor to celebrate so many strong women in the heritage world,” says GHF Chairman Daniel K. Thorne. “Our women project directors are crucial to the success of many of our projects at Global Heritage Fund. This event shone a spotlight on their many contributions to our work.”
The celebration was attended by leaders in the global heritage and cultural conservation world, including Secretary General of Europa Nostra Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović and GHF’s Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester.
“We’re fortunate to live at a time when the idea of preserving historic buildings for their intrinsic cultural value is no longer seen as an eccentricity. Rather, it is a matter of global concern and wellbeing,” says His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester. “Global Heritage Fund has a huge amount of work to be done, and I’m delighted to be involved in this organisation.”
The event took place in historic St James’s Palace, the setting for some of the most important events in British Royal history. Having been a residence of Kings and Queens of England for over 300 years until the reign of Queen Victoria, the Palace today hosts up to 100 receptions each year for charities associated with members of the Royal Family.
We are honored to celebrate the accomplishments and success of women leaders in heritage. Thank you for your ongoing support of women leaders in cultural heritage.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester speaks with GHF Executive Director Nada Hosking in historic St James’s Palace.
The evening featured presentations by GHF women project directors, including Moroccan architect and anthropologist Dr Salima Naji (left), Beijing-based preservation architect Dr Kuanghan Li (center), and Turkish architect conservator Dr Ebru Torun (right).