UNESCO and the Malaysia-UNESCO Cooperation Programme (MUCP) convened a cultural exchange workshop from 30 April-3 May 2023, in Yogyakarta. The event fostered greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures through cross-cultural dialogue and community engagement.
It brought together creative industry players from Indonesia and Malaysia living in and around the world heritage sites, to exchange knowledge and experiences about their respective creative and entrepreneurial processes, and learn how to create original products inspired by the sites.
The opening ceremony, held on 1 May 2023, was attended by Malaysian and Indonesian artisans, site managers, representatives of UNESCO and the Governments of Indonesia and Malaysia.
The cultural exchange programme features a series of events showcasing the diverse customs, traditions, and unique cultural experiences. The workshops enable the development of creative products, which in turn has positive impacts on the livelihoods of communities living within and around World Heritage Sites.
Participants from George Town, Melaka and Yogyakarta were invited to share their customs and beliefs, explore differences and similarities and exchange insights and perspectives, towards a sustainable development adapted to local communities.
Over the course of the workshop, these creative industry players participated in the series of exchange sessions, product mentoring, field visit and mini exhibition, where they were able to share experiences, knowledge, and inspirations with each other on developing world heritage inspired creative products.
The event will be followed by a final virtual closing workshop on 22 May 2023, during which artisans from Malaysia and Indonesia will showcase and discuss the prototypes of their newly developed products.