About us

World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (Beijing)

Organizational structure

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  UNESCO Category 2 Institute

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  Non-profit Organization of the World Heritage

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  Led by Peking University

Central Functions

The World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and thePacific Region (WHITR-AP) is a Category II Centre under the auspices ofUNESCO. Established in 2008, it is the first international organization inthe field of World Heritage to be headquartered in a developing country.Mandated by the State Parties to the World Heritage Convention andother UNESCO Member States, WHITR-AP advances the conservation and sustainable development of World Heritage across the Asia‑Pacific region.

WHITR-AP comprises three branches—Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou—each with a distinct focus.

The WHITR-AP Beijing Center (WHITR-AP Beijing) serves under the direction of both Peking University and the Secretariat of the National Commission for UNESCO in China. WHITRAP Beijing underwent an organization restructuring and since July 2019, the School of Archaeology and Museology of Peking University is responsible for its operation and management, under the supervision of Peking University. Responsible for natural heritage conservation, archaeological excavation,and the management of cultural landscapes.

Center Members

About us