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World Heritage Online Map Platform: Technical Note on the Provision of Geospatial Data Year of publication: 2023 Corporate author: UNESCO UNESCO’s World Heritage Online Map Platform (WHOMP) is a Geographic Information System (GIS) developed with the support of the Government of Flanders (Belgium), aiming at the creation of a comprehensive and accessible geodatabase for World Heritage properties worldwide. This platform is hosted and managed by UNESCO which ensures that the data presented correspond exactly to the boundaries of the World Heritage properties and their buffer zones as inscribed in the World Heritage List, including any changes adopted by the World Heritage Committee after the initial inscription of a property. 
An Ed-Tech Tragedy? Educational Technologies and School Closures in the Time of COVID-19 Year of publication: 2023 Corporate author: UNESCO Charting a new course for the transformation of education in a digital age An Ed-Tech Tragedy? is a detailed analysis of what happened when education became largely reliant on connected technology during school closures stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest global disruption to education in history.Many claim that this experience was chiefly one of forced progress and transformations that have, however haltingly, helped propel education into desirable digital futures. Others underline an experience of imperfect salvation – technology saving the day in an emergency and preserving learning continuity for significant numbers of students, even if not all students were helped. But the global evidence reveals a more sombre picture. It exposes the ways unprecedented educational dependence on technology often resulted in unchecked exclusion, staggering inequality, inadvertent harm and the elevation of learning models that place machines and profit before people. This publication examines the promises of educational technologies against the reality of what was delivered during periods of pandemic school closures, which stretched for various durations from early 2020 to the end of 2022. Dedicated sections consider alternate possibilities that had the potential to be more inclusive and equitable.The analysis extracts lessons and recommendations to chart new and more humanistic directions for the development, integration and use of technology in education. 
Harnessing the Era of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: A Primer for Higher Education Stakeholders Year of publication: 2023 Author: Bosen Lily Liu | Diana Morales | Jaime Roser-Chinchilla | Emma Sabzalieva | Arianna Valentini | Daniele Vieira do Nascimento | Clarisa Yerovi Corporate author: UNESCO | UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC) The International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC) is one of UNESCO’s key education-focused institutes and is the only institute in the United Nations with a specific mandate for higher education. Taking a holistic and integrated intersectoral and cross-sectoral approach to higher education, UNESCO IESALC provides support to Member States through policy-driven and action-oriented research and publications, capacity development, training, advocacy and networking. Following the release of a Quick Start Guide on using ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, UNESCO IESALC is pleased to offer to the wider community of higher education stakeholders worldwide this Primer on AI and higher education. Providing information and tips for developing further thinking and policies related to the use of AI processes and outcomes in higher education institutions, the Primer is a comprehensive and comprehensible introduction to AI. It also serves as a practical tool for guidance and reference with recommendations for its use in higher education. 
Arts Education: An Investment in Quality Learning Year of publication: 2023 Author: Vivek Venkatesh | Lydia Ruprecht | Martha K. Ferede Corporate author: UNESCO This paper reviews key research on the impact and outcomes of Arts Education (AE), with the objective of demonstrating how AE and its conceptualizations, methodological approaches, theoretical foundations and applications are closely aligned with the objectives and expectations of quality education as notably envisioned by Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on education. For UNESCO (2006), AE is understood to include two different approaches: o the teaching of art as an individual study subject and AE as developing learners’ artistic skills, abilities and sensibilities; o the mobilization of the arts, its tools, methods and stakeholders as a pedagogical approach, also referred to as 'arts in education' or 'learning through the arts.”The evidence gathered in this paper points to six main conclusions. • Arts education contributes to the humanistic outcomes associated with quality education as captured in Target 4.7 of SDG 4 on education, namely the promotion of values grounded in global peace, sustainability, justice and respect for cultural diversity and the development of social and emotional skills such as empathic concern and perspective-taking, all of which support personal and collective well-being and indices associated with increased societal happiness1 such as healthy life expectancy, freedom and generosity. • The evidence demonstrates that the “learning of the arts” positively impacts learning in ways that are relevant to broader academic and non-academic outcomes(see Tables 1 and 2).It has been associated with improvements in mathematics performance, writing skills, reading achievements, creativity, student engagement and attendance, as well as perseverance in pursuit of educational goals and classroom behaviours. • Arts education fosters teacher innovation and collaboration, positively impacting school culture and can help students gain a sense of mastery and accomplishment and engage with their communities. • By linking formal and non-formal learning settings, including both in-person and digital cultural spaces such as museums, festivals, performance venues and cultural centres, AE supports the capacity-building of artists and cultural bearers, while expanding the pedagogical role of cultural institutions and spaces. • Considering the nature of local and Indigenous knowledge in spanning language, cultural practices, land use practices, social interactions, ritual and spirituality, AE holds the potential to support knowledge revitalization for Indigenous peoples, which have been historically compromised or delegitimized within traditional education settings. • Last but not least, by building on the economic potential of the arts and creative industries, AE creates opportunities for employment and economic growth, which cannot be underestimated. • On a methodological note, the review of existing research highlights the limitations of quantitative methods and the absence of evaluation mechanisms to assess the contribution and impact of AE to learning. 
World Heritage: A Unique Contribution to Biodiversity Conservation Year of publication: 2023 Corporate author: UNESCO | International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) The UNESCO World Heritage Convention is unique among international agreements as it deals with both natural and cultural heritage. By conferring one of the highest levels of protection recognized by 195 countries, it ensures a truly global commitment to safeguarding exceptional places. UNESCO natural World Heritage sites are critical for the conservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity. While they make up less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they harbor more than 1/5 of mapped global species richness. This includes over 75,000 species of plants, and over 30,000 species of mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles and amphibians. Cultural World Heritage sites in particular can be an important ally in biodiversity conservation since around 20% of them are located in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). UNESCO World Heritage sites also represent a safe haven for some of the most threatened species on Earth. They are estimated to protect over 20,000 globally threatened species, and are home to some of the last individuals of many iconic species. Today, up to 1/3 of remaining elephants, tigers and pandas can be found in these sites, as well as at least 1 in 10 great apes, giraffes, lions and rhinos. However, even these highly protected sites are today threatened by global climate change and human pressures, including agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, poaching, overexploitation of resources and the proliferation of invasive species. Every 1°C increase in temperature could double the number of species exposed to dangerous climate conditions. Ensuring effective and sustained protection of UNESCO World Heritage sites and surrounding landscapes is crucial for maximizing their value as a solution to tackle the current biodiversity and climate crisis. One way of achieving this is by supporting countries to integrate World Heritage into their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), as they are key to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). 
National Capacity Building on Inventorying the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Arab Republic of Egypt Year of publication: 2024 Author: Ahmed Bahi El Din | Haitham Younes Corporate author: UNESCO | UNESCO Cairo Communities in Egypt are inventorying their living heritage Egypt is famed for its rich civilization and long history. Egyptian identity is presented not only through archaeological sites and Ancient Egyptian civilization, but also through Egypt’s diverse living heritage. More than simply showing who they are today, this living heritage tells the story of how the Egyptians arrived at this point over the generations.To celebrate this identity and strengthen national capacities to safeguard it, UNESCO, alongside the Egyptian government and civil society, implemented the project Strengthening National Capacities for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Egypt for Sustainable Development, which ran from June 2018 to June 2021.The project focused on community-based inventorying of living heritage. This involved training workshops and a pilot community-based inventorying exercise, which took place in six different locations throughout Egypt (Cairo, Fayoum, Gharbeya, Aswan, Assuit, and Marsa Matrouh). Thanks to the project, participating community practitioners and heritage bearers are now equipped to inventory their own living heritage. • This pilot was Egypt’s first step to establishing a national inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) under the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with community practitioners. • This publication provides recommendations on how to further enhance national capabilities for ICH safeguarding and how to advance community engagement in the inventorying processes in Egypt. 
UNESCO Guidance for the World Heritage ‘No-Go’ Commitment: Global Standards for Corporate Sustainability Year of publication: 2022 Corporate author: UNESCO UNESCO World Heritage properties are cultural, natural and mixed sites of outstanding universal value (OUV) that exemplify some of humanity’s most exceptional heritage and treasures on our planet. They cover over a thousand properties in all regions of the world and it is the duty of the international community as a whole to cooperate on their protection. UNESCO World Heritage sites provide major benefits to our society and help safeguard ecosystem services and cultural resources vital for human well-being. Yet the threats to UNESCO World Heritage sites have been rising steadily for decades, including those arising from harmful industrial and infrastructure projects, extractive activities such as mining, oil and gas and large hydropower projects, among others. In view of these significant threats, several leading companies and financial institutions have committed to protect World Heritage by respecting them as ‘no-go’ areas. UNESCO World Heritage sites are protected under international law as humanity’s legacy to future generations and, as such, merit particular attention in corporate policies and business conduct. However, there is wide variation in the nature and strength of sustainability policies and due diligence processes. This guidance was developed to assist companies to develop comprehensive strategies for World Heritage as part of their efforts to measure and manage environmental, social and governance risks. 
Managing Transnational UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa Year of publication: 2023 Author: Dodé Houehounha | Edmond Moukala Corporate author: UNESCO Transnational UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa – Cooperation is the Key to Success Transnational UNESCO World Heritage sites are the ultimate manifestation of international cooperation − an enriching experience of interculturalism and dialogue between peoples. They offer a unique opportunity to explore and exchange effective and sustainable solutions to contemporary issues, such as climate change, migration, integration, confict and many others. For the frst time, this publication presents the most up-to-date and comprehensive work concerning Transnational UNESCO World Heritage sites in Africa, refecting the interdisciplinary and forward-looking approaches that have dominated research and conservation methodologies in recent decades. The diverse articles and case studies shine a light on how transnational management of properties in Africa provides a crosscutting and sustainable response to contemporary issues related to heritage and associated communities. It also explores the variety of challenges and opportunities related to the management of these sites and highlights best practices that have been implemented. This publication, together with UNESCO, calls on all States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, concerned international and regional organizations, and all relevant stakeholders to support efforts to protect and promote Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. It is through concerted action and joint activities that the recommendations from this publication can be implemented and thereby help preserve these properties for future generations. 
Nurturing the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Children and Young People During Crises (UNESCO COVID-19 Education Response: Education Sector issue notes; No.1.2, 2020) Year of publication: 2020 Corporate author: UNESCO The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated lockdowns, school closures, physical distancing and loss of familiar environments. The restriction on movement, disruption of routines, curtailment of social interactions and deprivation of traditional learning methods has led to increased pressure, stress and anxiety for young people, their families and communities. Parents and adult care-givers are struggling to meet the challenges of home schooling while juggling work and community obligations, caring for family members and maintaining individual well-being. Teachers are having to rapidly adapt to new and untested teaching methods. Young people are concerned about their education as national examinations are cancelled and are grappling with the insecurity of isolation and uncertainty. In poor households where income is a first priority, children are left on their own to home school or are pulled into other tasks. The stress and anxiety of the pandemic is compounded by the circulation of dynamic information - both accurate and false, often fuelled by sensationalist media reporting. This not only increases insecurity but also acts as fertile ground for the spread of intolerance, racism, xenophobia and hate crimes. To address and counter the social anxiety, emotional upheaval and fearful insecurity unleashed by COVID-19, it is urgent and necessary that families and communities build vital coping skills and emotional resilience. Social and emotional skills are well established, evidence-based practices, that can be adapted to help equip children, young people, parents and teachers with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours they need to stay healthy and positive, navigate emotions, practice mindful engagement, exhibit pro-social behaviour and cope with daily challenges. 
Happy Schools Guide and Toolkit: A Resource for Happiness, Learners’ Well-Being and Social and Emotional Learning Year of publication: 2021 Corporate author: UNESCO | UNESCO Bangkok The Happy Schools Guide and Toolkit is designed to support teachers and school leaders in primary and secondary schools across the Asia-Pacific region, in thinking about how they can create their own Happy School. It has therefore drawn from aspects of the Happy Schools Framework, which can be most readily addressed at the school level. While the Happy Schools Guide is targeted towards school leaders and teachers at the school level of administration and pedagogy development, the Happy Schools Toolkit is conceived for teachers at the classroom level.