Kulturarv utan Gränser
Svenska | English
Vision, Mission and Method
Cultural Heritage without Borders (CHwB) is an independent organization based in Sweden. CHwB sees cultural heritage as an indispensable element of human rights and democracy and a common resource belonging to all of mankind regardless of nationality or religion. Everyone has a moral responsibility to respect it and safeguard it for future generations.
CHwB works with cultural heritage as an active force in reconciliation, peace building and social and economic development by creating capacity, awareness and opportunities in preserving and rescuing cultural heritage in societies touched by conflict, neglect or human and natural disasters.
CHwB is neutral when it comes to conflicting parties, but not to the rights of all people to cultural heritage. CHwB is committed to equality, non-discrimination, participation, accountability and transparency.
Vision
Everyone’s right to enjoy, have access to and participate in cultural heritage.
Mission
Our mission is to promote cultural heritage as both a right in itself and a resource. CHwB works with civil society and institutions at all levels to strengthen peace-building, sustainable socio-economic and democratic development and the realisation of human rights.
• Cultural Freedom and Diversity
Protecting and promoting respect for cultural, ethnic and religious diversity fosters positive forces in society. CHwB uses cultural heritage to empower these forces by
o Opening up for dialogue about common cultural heritage
o Conserving, maintaining and developing historical buildings and heritage sites, as well as taking preventive measures to protect them
o Encouraging interaction and mobility among cultural professionals
o Supporting the development of creative and democratic heritage organizations
• Conflict Prevention and Reconciliation
Mutual respect for cultural heritage is crucial for peace building in any society. CHwB utilizes cultural heritage as a tool for promoting reconciliation by
o Encouraging mutual respect, understanding and trust in and between people through various collaboration strategies
o Restoring historical buildings and heritage sites to revitalize communities and inspire hope for the future
o Activating museums and heritage organizations as platforms for dialogue and building partnerships
• Democracy and Human rights
Respect for cultural heritage is implicit in the very notions of democracy and human rights. CHwB supports and promotes democratization processes and improved human rights by
o Strengthening the democratic potential for museums in today’s society
o Making cultural heritage accessible for, and encouraging the participation of various target groups
o Raising awareness about the importance of cultural heritage as a resource in democracy building
o Empowering cultural non-governmental organizations’ (NGO’s) role in society
• Social, Economic and Environmental Development
Conserving and developing cultural heritage sites contributes to employment creation and local and regional development. CHwB promotes cultural heritage as an engine for local and regional development by
o Involving and empowering local entrepreneurs in traditional material and craft techniques
o Contributing to developing strategies for architectural and landscape conservation
o Developing cross-border cooperation within the museum sector
o Identifying, developing and promoting opportunities for cultural tourism
