Speech
Closing Remarks, 12th International Conference of National Trusts
David J. Brown
Executive Vice President
National Trust for Historic Preservation
New Delhi, India
December 5, 2007
Madame Chief Minister, Dr. Singh, Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, fellow delegates.
This has been an extraordinary week - a week we do not want to end. But unfortunately it must end. Now we must all return to our countries to face the challenges of saving our heritage and engaging more people in our work.
But we go back to these challenges renewed, refreshed, and with new tools for the tasks ahead. And we do so, I believe, because of this extraordinary place called India and all that it has contributed to our conversation.
As S.K. Misra wrote in the conference's Heritage Souvenir, "India has been a place that throughout the ages has been the crossroads for the exchange of ideas and the cordial meeting of civilization." All have been in evidence this week.
First, the exchange of ideas around the theme of Heritage and Development has been energizing, extensive, often challenging, but always enriching of our knowledge of heritage conservation and historic preservation.
Second, the cordial hospitality of INTACH - our host - has been extraordinary. S.K. Misra, AshaRani Mathur, and all the staff and volunteers of INTACH - thank you from all of us for your many kindnesses and for structuring such a stimulating conference.
And third, we have seen the meeting of civilizations this week in a way never before experienced at an International Conference of National Trusts. For far too long these gatherings have been much too western and much too white to be a true international gathering. Too many of the world's people and heritage were missing. But INTACH has changed all that in a way that will forever change the way the National Trust movement works.
We heard many recommendations which will take time to absorb and implement. But let me suggest a few concluding thoughts.
The historic founding of INTO (the International National Trusts Organisation) for the family of National Trust organizations is very important. But right now we just have a vessel. We will need to walk before we run. Be patient. We will need to set priorities as Hasmukh Shah mentioned this morning. We heard many options to consider, such as Fiona Reynolds' call to focus on sustainability and climate change and its impact on our heritage.
We will need to get many more people engaged in the work of heritage conservation and historic preservation. I was especially taken with Richard Engelhardt's call for a paradigm shift to move heritage conservation from a Princes, Priests, and Politicians focus to a new emphasis on the heritage of the People. And we have to see our heritage as universal - preserved for current and future generations of all peoples.
Political advocacy must be a key part of our growth. Let's take the great example this week of INTACH, where the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy spoke to this conference, and renew our own work to impact the political discourse in our own countries.
Finally, we'll need your involvement. Networking, mentoring, and education will be critical. INTO - and our respective National Trusts and heritage organizations - will not succeed unless we join together.
The level of leadership, commitment, and excitement bodes well for our movement. Thanks to INTACH for providing the setting and structure to make that possible - and thanks to each of you for your many contributions to the work of this conference.