The UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) has officially launched its new website (www.unesco.org.uk) which includes a range of features to showcase the UK’s UNESCO Designated Sites and a bespoke ‘Resource Centre’ to support those working in UNESCO sites and heritage sector across the UK.
For the first time, the UK’s extraordinary network of UNESCO Designations covering Biosphere Reserves, Creative Cities, Global Geoparks, World Heritage Sites, and Memory of the World (for documentary heritage) is showcased in one place.
The website highlights the UK’s commitment to UNESCO’s global mission and how more than 14% of the UK’s land and sea is part of this international effort to protect cultural and natural heritage and address global challenges.
Key features of the new website include:
The website aims to inspire communities, funders, and policymakers to engage with the UK’s UNESCO Sites and highlights how local actions connect to global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
The UK National Commission appointed Shetland Islands based agency NB Communication to develop the new site and utilizes a new visual identity created by Jarratt Design to offer clarity and cohesion to all UKNC communications and marketing.
The website, and associated suite of materials, is the culmination of the first phase of the Commission’s Local to Global programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund which looked to strengthen and connect UNESCO Designated Sites across the UK.
Speaking of the new website:
James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, said:
‘Our new website celebrates the incredible network of UNESCO Designations across the UK. It gives an insight into why each unique site is of global significance. This vibrant network is grounded in local communities and businesses and is part of an international network showcasing UK excellence.’
‘The website supports those who work in the UNESCO Designations and associated organisations by giving them open access to a huge library of useful resources and materials. The website also shines a light on the positive impacts that the UK UNESCO network makes in shaping action and policy on today’s most pressing global issues such as women and girls’ education, gender equality, the ethics of AI, and climate change.’
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
‘The creative use of digital technology in heritage can promote access, improve reach and support long-term organisational stability. We are delighted to support this important new website as part of the Local to Global project, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.’
‘This new website will support capacity building and knowledge sharing for UNESCO Sites, thanks in part to a new resource library that will house toolkits in audience development, stakeholder mapping and inclusion, fundraising and financial sustainability and digital transformation.’
David Nicol, Managing Director of NB Communication, the web developers said:
‘We're delighted to have created the new website for the UK National Commission for UNESCO. As an agency based in Shetland, home to a UNESCO Global Geopark, and with our significant experience in destination marketing, we have a particularly deep understanding of UNESCO's requirements.
It's been a privilege to bring the UKNC's impressive work to life through this new website, showcasing the UK's extraordinary network of UNESCO Sites and providing a valuable resource for communities and policymakers alike.’
