Global Certificate Course in Urban Heritage Policy and Governance
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm excited to be joined by Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in urban heritage policy and governance. She's here to talk about a new course she's involved with, the Global Certificate Course in Urban Heritage Policy and Governance. Welcome, Jane! GUEST: Thanks for having me! I'm looking forward to discussing this exciting new course. HOST: Great! Let's dive right in. Can you share what initially drew you to this field and some personal experiences that have shaped your expertise? GUEST: Of course. I've always been fascinated by how we can balance the need for development with preserving our rich urban heritage. One standout experience was working on a project in Rome, where we had to navigate complex heritage legislation while revitalizing historic neighborhoods. HOST: That sounds challenging yet rewarding. Now, in your opinion, what are some current industry trends that are relevant to this course? GUEST: There are a few key trends. First, there's a growing emphasis on sustainable development, ensuring that heritage preservation goes hand-in-hand with environmental and social responsibility. Second, cultural tourism is becoming increasingly important, and we need to manage it in a way that benefits both local communities and visitors. HOST: Absolutely, striking that balance is crucial. Now, what would you say are some common challenges faced in this field, especially when it comes to policy formulation and implementation? GUEST: One major challenge is engaging local communities effectively. People often feel disconnected from heritage preservation efforts, so finding ways to make them part of the process is essential. Additionally, financial mechanisms for heritage preservation can be difficult to navigate and secure. HOST: Those are important issues to address. Now, looking to the future, where do you see urban heritage policy and governance heading? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable approaches. Technology will also play a bigger role, with tools like digital heritage documentation and virtual reality offering new ways to experience and protect urban heritage. HOST: It's an exciting time for the field, and this course seems perfectly positioned to help professionals stay ahead of the curve. Thank you so much for joining us today, Jane! GUEST: My pleasure, thanks for having me!
