Bianca Fraser, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Cultural Anthropology and History, will join 30 students from 20 countries across the Asia-Pacific region—and she is most excited about what she will learn from them.
The forum aims to bring together young future experts, to share regional youth experiences with the participants of an upcoming UNESCO forum where various experts will discuss the preservation and development of world heritage sites in Angkor.
The Youth programme includes presentations from fellow participants’ on places in their home countries, lectures by international and local heritage experts, discussion with experts and participants on water management communities and cultural tourism which includes site visits and hands-on activities.
“It will be really interesting to hear from the other participants attending the forum—the various projects they’re involved in and the different perspectives that everyone will bring to the table.
“I’m also looking forward to learning from local experts on cultural heritage sites and hearing from local and international UNESCO representatives.”
When Bianca heard she had been selected, she could hardly believe it. “I have to keep checking every day when I wake up—to be selected from all the applicants in New Zealand, it’s amazing.”
“Thinking I’m the only one in New Zealand, and the first to represent New Zealand, it’s absolutely blown me away. I’m so excited.”
Bianca hopes that she will be able to apply her learnings from the trip when she returns to Victoria next year to study towards an honours degree in Anthropology.
“I'm looking to use the information and experience gained from the forum to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the Wellington community on projects that promote inter-cultural understanding and positive social change.”