《北京宣言》英文版.doc

《北京宣言》英文版 发帖人: fisher 点击率: 1371 Beijing Declaration Concerning Urban Culture(June 11, 2007)At the invitation of the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Culture, and the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, PRC, more than 1000 mayors, planners, architects, cultural scholars, historians and experts involved in urban culture from 23 countries and regions around the world gathered here in Beijing, the world famous ancient and cultural capital from June 9 to 11, 2007, to discuss such topics as the transition of urban culture in the era of globalization, protection and conservation of cultural heritage, and the development of contemporary urban culture. Participants of the Conference acknowledge the unique role cities played as a cultural phenomenon in human civilization.The history of cities shows that culture has always been the outstanding urban composition. A city is not only the economic and political center but also the cultural center of the region concerned. The participants fully appreciated the contributions of the Athens Charter(1933), the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage(1972), the Charter of Machu Picchu(1977), and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions(2005) on urban development and urban culture.In the meantime, the participants have taken note of the huge challenge brought about by urbanization and globalization even though they have resulted in economic growth, cultural prosperity and a rising living standard. Cities are in danger of losing their traditions; they tend to appear homogeneous; their image is becoming vulgar; and their environment is deteriorating. The threats of destruction resulting from construction and destructive construction still exist, and urban culture is in the process of transition. Today, the urban population for the first time in human history has surpassed rural population.During our open debate on the evolution of citi