Global experts discuss digital innovation for cultural heritage preservation at WIC forum

The Forum on Preservation and Transmission of Cultural Heritage in the Digital Intelligence Era, a featured event of the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Digital Silk Road Development Forum, was held in Xi'an, Northwest China’s Shaanxi province, on July 22.

Under the theme "Silk Road Heritage and Dialogue among Civilizations in the Digital Era," the forum brought together experts from around the world to explore how digital and intelligent technologies are transforming cultural heritage preservation, revitalization and cross-cultural exchanges.

Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the WIC; Mayra Arevich Marín, minister of communications of Cuba; and Agaseata Tanuvasa Valelio Tanuvasa Peto, minister of communications and information technology of Samoa, attended the forum and delivered remarks.

The World Internet Conference Cultural Heritage Digitalization Case Collection (2026) was officially released at the forum. As a flagship achievement of the WIC Specialized Committee on Cultural Heritage Digitalization, the publication features 45 exemplary case studies from 13 countries and regions, showcasing the latest advances in the application of digital technologies across cultural heritage protection, archaeology, exhibition and utilization. It provides a valuable resource for knowledge sharing, experience exchange and international cooperation in cultural heritage digitalization.

Speeches were delivered by Pang Yani, director of Shaanxi History Museum; Gilbert Van Kerckhove, UWEE Group rotating chairman and 2005 Friendship Award winner; Lao Zhu, professor at Peking University, director of the World Arthistory Institute at Shanghai International Studies University, and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, and others.

Drawing on perspectives from museums, universities, research institutions and enterprises, the speakers shared insights into the latest applications and emerging trends of digital and intelligent technologies in cultural heritage preservation and revitalization. They highlighted research achievements, industry practices and innovative technology solutions, contributing ideas and practical experience to advance the digital preservation of Silk Road heritage and promote dialogue among civilizations.

The forum was hosted by the WIC Specialized Committee on Cultural Heritage Digitalization and co-organized by the Shaanxi Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, the Image Lab at Peking University, the China-Arab Research Center for Culture and Tourism Cooperation of Beijing International Studies University, and the World Arthistory Institute at Shanghai International Studies University.

More than 100 representatives from government agencies, cultural institutions, enterprises and universities around the world attended the event.