Overview
The 2021 Symposium, Archaeologists Without Borders of the Maya World, was held virutally. Building on the momentum of previous years, this event explored how cultural heritage can serve as a powerful driver for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants examined the role of archaeology, anthropology, and cultural policy in advancing global sustainability, emphasizing collaboration between international scholars and local communities. The symposium highlighted the potential of heritage to foster peace, equality, and economic opportunity across regions of shared cultural identity.
Main Discussion Topics
The Power of Heritage — Understanding how memory, place, and identity contribute to community well-being and resilience.
Cultural Heritage and the SDGs — Exploring how archaeology and heritage intersect with all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge — Recognizing traditional knowledge systems as vital to sustainability and development.
Public-Private Collaboration — Encouraging partnerships between government, academia, and civil society to protect cultural heritage.
Global Dialogue — Building bridges between scholars from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe to share models and experiences.
Outcome
The symposium resulted in a series of recommendations for UNESCO-aligned frameworks on heritage-driven development. Participants contributed chapters for a forthcoming academic publication summarizing the collective model and outcomes, marking a pivotal step in integrating archaeology into the sustainable development agenda.