«Cultural heritage embraces both tangible and intangible treasures that communities value for their historical, artistic, and cultural significance. It includes not only monuments and artefacts but also living traditions - languages, performing arts, rituals, festivals, and ancestral knowledge of nature and craftsmanship.
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This heritage strengthens collective identity and memory, safeguards diversity, and nurtures creativity and sustainable growth. In an age of globalization, it preserves cultural uniqueness and fosters mutual respect among different ways of life. Its true value lies in the wisdom and skills handed down through generations, inspiring awareness, understanding, and responsible citizenship rooted in cultural diversity». (Virginio Cantoni, University of Pavia)
