Unesco Conference to Assess the Social and Spatial Transformations of Historic Core 2001-2011

Online, March 3, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Khan El Franj to Play Host to Saida Expert Meeting

Unesco Conference to Assess the Social and Spatial Transformations of Historic Core 2001-2011

Within the framework of international comparative research, launched by the Sector of Social & Human Sciences in 1996 at HABITAT II, on inner city areas and urban revitalization inclusive of social and human approach, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) Beirut Office, the Lebanese National Commission for Unesco, the Municipality of Saida and the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, are organizing a conference themed "Assessment of the Social & Spatial Transformations in the Old City of Saïda from May 2001 till May 2011".

The Conference, which is scheduled to take place on March 5-6, 2012 in Khan El Franj - Saida, comes on the heels of a series of preparatory meetings that were held with key stakeholders and representatives of civil society, private sector, trade unions and professional associations, with the discussions aiming at arriving at a common vision and understanding of the city and its communities' needs and aspirations.

The two-day event will include a series of open and closed discussions with a selected panel of local and international experts from different backgrounds, with discussions focusing on participatory processes, the preservation and reconstruction of social fabric, and the balance between historical preservation and modernization of historical districts.

And while revisiting the recommendations of the Unesco 2001 "Small Historic Coastal Cities" Conference, the meeting will discuss and review the multiplex social and urban transformation that the city has undergone through, ahead of launching the Saida Urban Development Strategy which will be implemented under ENPI CBCMED Programme in partnership between Municipality of Saida and the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development.

More information on the conference and its proceedings and recommendations are available. For further details, please contact the following email address: [email protected]