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.