Willemstad, Curaçao
30 September 2007
1. Introduction
Although this place is
far from my home country,
it is very close to my heart.
Some time ago, I listened to a song of this
Haitian singer Beethova Obas.
I was so surprised I could actually
understand all his creole language.
It is impossible for me
to visit all the 120 UIA countries
during my mandate.
In each continent, I have selected a number
of them to be as close as possible to each
region.
It was with immense pleasure that
you inivited me here to
Curaçao, island among the Caribbean and
near Central America.
I am one of yours.
I am an island Creole.
Through UIA,
through traveling the world
I have learnt how much we, Creoles,
mestizo people have so much to share with
the rest of the world.
2. Model
2.1 New identity
In this age when the whole world sees
globalization as a threat,
it would seem that we have already
integrated all these influences –
 European,
 African,
 Indian and
 Native
through our recent past.
We have been able to produce
 a new identity,
 a new culture
inspired by the very best of each culture.
Brazil is another example of this emerging
fusion.
2.2 Island identity –
Bridge among nations
Being all immigrants, we have
 this natural curiosity,
 this natural sense of hospitality
towards foreigners.
And finally being multi-cultural we are seen
as
 a bridge among cultures.
Small is beautiful.
3. Heritage as a resource
Why am I insisting so much on this question of
identity?
Architecture is a highly visible expression of a
nation’s identity.
 It celebrates our past
 and we, architects are designing
the heritage of tomorrow.
In a few days, it will be exactly 2 years
since UNESCO voted the motion in favour of
Cultural Diversity.
Heritage is part of Cultural Diversity.
I was present in Paris during the debate and
the vote. I realised that, what needed
 a vote,
 a debate,
 long negotiations
were in fact already in place naturally in our
countries.
However in our same countries,
Heritage is not always
 protected, valued and
 seen as a resource.
Some countries who do not have a long history
and investing heavily in Culture and Heritage.
 Abu Dhabi, Emirates
o a new Guggenheim Museum and
o a branch of the Louvre Museum.
 Gwangje, South Korea I- whole city with
culture as the driving vector.
4. Conclusion
UIA has always had Heritage as a high priority.
Several programmes, partnerships are in place
4.1 Work Programmes
We have 5 regional WP on Heritage regrouping
international experts sharing knowledge
4.2 Partnerships
 Signature with ICOMOS , Docomomo
 Programme with UNESCO WHC –
Google Earth
4.3 XXth Century Heritage
World Heritage of the XXth Century
Sydney Opera House – UIA competition recently
listed an World Heritage
I wish to thank you all here for your hospitality
and for the inspiration you are giving to the rest
of the world. We are examples of tomorrow’s
citizens, people of several cultures and people
who value our Heritage.