Heritage International Institute sets out the following principles to guide its research, educational, cultural and scientific activities worldwide.
Heritage International Institute (HII) is committed to advancing the protection, conservation, enhancement and transmission of cultural and natural heritage through research, education, international cooperation and field-based engagement.
The Institute operates on the conviction that heritage constitutes a shared resource of humanity whose preservation contributes to cultural diversity, social cohesion, sustainable development and peaceful cooperation among peoples.
HII recognises cultural and natural heritage as a legacy that connects past, present and future generations. Heritage transcends political, geographical and cultural boundaries and represents an essential component of human identity, memory and creativity.
The protection of heritage is therefore understood not merely as a technical or conservation activity, but as a shared responsibility that contributes to the promotion of human dignity, cultural rights and intercultural dialogue.
All activities undertaken by HII are guided by principles of academic freedom, scientific integrity, professional independence and respect for international cultural cooperation.
The Institute develops its programmes, partnerships, research initiatives and field activities exclusively on the basis of scholarly, cultural, educational and heritage-related objectives. HII operates in different geographical and cultural contexts with the sole purpose of contributing to the protection, documentation, understanding and enhancement of cultural and natural heritage and of supporting dialogue, knowledge-sharing and capacity building.
The Institute's presence in a particular country, region or cultural context should therefore be understood solely within the framework of its heritage mission and does not imply any position regarding political, diplomatic or geopolitical matters. HII's activities are motivated by the universal value of heritage and by the conviction that its protection and transmission constitute a shared responsibility of the international community.
As an international platform for research, education and dialogue, HII welcomes a plurality of scholarly perspectives and encourages open academic discussion. Views, interpretations and opinions expressed by individual participants, guest speakers, researchers or partner institutions remain their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Institute.
HII remains committed to fostering constructive dialogue, mutual respect and international cooperation through heritage, culture and knowledge.
HII recognises the central role of local communities, indigenous peoples, cultural practitioners and heritage bearers in the preservation and transmission of heritage.
The Institute promotes inclusive and participatory approaches that respect cultural diversity, local knowledge systems and different understandings of heritage.
HII supports approaches to heritage that contribute to the advancement of human rights, social inclusion and sustainable development.
The Institute recognises the interconnections between heritage, environmental sustainability, cultural rights, education, peacebuilding and community well-being, and promotes projects that strengthen these relationships.
HII believes that many contemporary heritage challenges require international collaboration and interdisciplinary responses.
The Institute actively encourages cooperation among universities, cultural institutions, public authorities, international organisations, civil society actors and local communities, fostering the exchange of knowledge, expertise and good practices.
All collaborations, partnerships and joint initiatives undertaken by HII are directed towards the promotion of shared values, including peace, justice, human dignity, cultural diversity and mutual understanding through the protection, enhancement and transmission of heritage.
HII cooperates with external institutions, organisations and professionals exclusively within the framework of these cultural, scientific and educational objectives. Accordingly, views, opinions, political statements or public positions expressed by partner organisations, guest participants or third parties outside the scope of joint activities undertaken with HII remain solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the positions, policies or institutional views of the Institute.
The Institute acknowledges its responsibility towards future generations and promotes policies and actions aimed at ensuring the long-term preservation, accessibility and transmission of cultural and natural heritage.
Safeguarding heritage today means enabling future generations to understand, experience and benefit from the diversity of human cultures and environments.
HII envisions a world in which cultural and natural heritage serve as bridges between peoples, cultures and generations, fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, resilience and shared responsibility in an increasingly interconnected global society.
HII applies these principles in accordance with internationally recognised frameworks for cultural cooperation, heritage protection, scientific exchange and respect for communities and stakeholders.
