At the forum held in Kernavė on October 2, 2024, the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage status granted to this site was commemorated. A discussion raised the question of whether the national status of a historic capital conflicts with the global principles of UNESCO. Viktorija Gadeikienė, Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection and Analysis Group of the National Commission for Cultural Heritage, who participated in the event, emphasized that the differences being discussed should not negatively impact heritage protection. On the contrary, they should rather complement it with positive international best practices.
“The very definition of ‘historic capital’ already indicates that it is important for us to maintain connections with the past. However, society needs help to comprehend this status. Education becomes crucial here. Nevertheless, it is a continuous process. For instance, although UNESCO values have lacked attention in Lithuania for many years, the situation is now improving – management plans have been prepared or are in preparation, and the protection of these values is being strengthened,” said V. Gadeikienė.
Vilnius, Kaunas, and Kernavė are not only Lithuania’s historic capitals but also part of the common heritage of humanity. Trakai and Old Trakai are also considered historic capitals of Lithuania, but these areas are not included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Read more about UNESCO World Heritage in Lithuania here
Heritage Commission is an expert and advisor to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, President of the Republic of Lithuania and to Government of the Republic of Lithuania regarding the national policy of cultural heritage protection, its implementation, evaluation and improvement.