This poem is primarily inspired by my friend’s love of ngā wai. However, as children of the Pacific we know that ‘love’ can never encompass the breadth of connection to our taiao. While witnessing the World Heritage Committee attempting to grapple with the crises affecting alongside celebrating with pure joy the addition of Taputapuātea as a World Heritage Site for the whole Pacific, this poem rings true over and over. It is a reminder that for us, nature and culture will never be split into arbitrary categories. Enjoy.
Julia Kennerley: My top tips for surviving a UN Conference
The drama just keeps going down here at the UN. And my favourite superstar to watch is José Cabral, Portugal’s Ambassador to UNESCO.
Lanu Faletau: “…LONG LIVE POLYNESIAN PEOPLE!”
"We share like all our Polynesian brothers and sisters the act of hospitality. This is a sign of prestige to our home land and we are committed to protecting this for our future generations.”
“LONG LIVE TAPUTAPUĀTEA…LONG LIVE POLYNESIAN PEOPLE”
Lanu Faletau: UNESCO - Is the World Heritage Committee Another Politicized Event?
“Sorry Mr Chairperson, my plumber in Paris is calling me as I have a problem with my toilet in my apartment, and I have to take this call because it is much more important than the decision that was just adopted.”
Jack Gradwell: Heritage in the Balkans - the roots of conflict
Jack investigates how issues of heritage in the Balkans have proved a driver of political conflict.
Julia Kennerley: What's even going on?
Okay, so if yesterday I thought the UN was a dramatic soap opera, today it’s reached a whole new level. I’m currently watching four grown men in suits stand at a podium, seconds away from a punch up. It’s kind of like Courteney Place on a Saturday night. In fact the conference chair (whose role in this situation seems to be resident UN bouncer) just screamed into the microphone ‘call security, call security!!’. So, here’s a quick summary of what’s being going on over the past four days:
Samantha Keen: The Journey So Far...
Venice, illness, Krakow and Auschwitz.
Julia Kennerley: Busting some UN myths
Sitting in on the UNESCO proceedings is a little like watching a live soap opera. To be honest it’s a real saga - yelling, debating and an incredible amount of schmoozing. There’s love, hate and relationship breakups - you should have seen the glares between the Philippines and the United Kingdom on Tuesday afternoon. So, with this in mind, here are the top 5 things I’ve learnt so far.