Francophone workshop: "Digital humanities and the protection of cultural heritage: cooperation, training, research".

In conjunction with the 3rd World Digital Education Conference (WDEC), AUF and Wuhan University (WHU) organized a Francophone workshop on May 14 in Wuhan, China, on the theme of "Digital Humanities and Protection of Cultural Heritage: Cooperation, Training, Research", in the presence of AUF Rector Prof. Slim KHALBOUS.

The workshop had several aims:

• Promote French-speaking expertise in the digitization and preservation of cultural heritage;
• Highlight virtuous initiatives, presented by high-level experts, illustrating successful models of cooperation;
• Stimulate academic and professional collaboration, by facilitating encounters between academics and researchers in digital humanities and those involved in heritage preservation;
• Encourage training and research to enhance the skills of heritage professionals in the use of digital tools;
• Develop a French-speaking network of training courses dedicated to digital humanities for the preservation of cultural heritage.

The event brought together some 60 participants representing AUF member institutions from 12 countries on 4 continents: Albania, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Guinea-Bissau, Laos, Mauritania, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam), interested in the development of Francophone cooperation in teaching and research on digital humanities and the protection of cultural heritage.

The workshop opened with words of welcome from :

• Mr. Zhang Pingwen, Academician and President of Wuhan University (China) ;

• Mr. Slim Khalbous, Professor and Rector of the AUF ;

• S. E. Mr. Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports (Cambodia);

• Mr. Shahbaz Khan, Professor and Director of UNESCO's Regional Office for East Asia;

• Mr. Christian Thimonier, Consul General of France in Wuhan ;
• Ms Zhang Ying, representative of the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and chargé de mission for the Francophonie within the European, Asian and African Affairs Division.

" Today, we're discussing "Digital Humanities and the Protection of Cultural Heritage", a highly topical subject. In the face of the digital revolution, the use of digital technologies to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage is attracting worldwide attention. Our university, drawing on its strengths in geomatics and information management, has made great strides in restoring artifacts and digitizing ancient works. "Zhang Pingwen, Academician and President of Wuhan University (China).

In his opening speech, Prof. Slim KHALBOUS, Rector of the AUF, emphasized the crucial role of digital technology in education. He recalled that the Francophone economic platform is a real driving force for the initiatives of the AUF and all Francophone players. Finally, he asserted that strengthening exchanges and intercultural cooperation within the university community is fully in line with the AUF's mission.

"Cambodia can strengthen its participation in the World Conference on Digital Education and make a significant contribution to the global dialogue on digital humanities and the protection of cultural heritage. Our proactive approach will ensure that we play a vital role in shaping the future of digital education, while honoring our rich cultural heritage. "said H.E. Academician Dr. HANGCHUON NARON Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.

This workshop was a valuable opportunity to strengthen synergies between AUF member institutions and Asian partners around contemporary issues related to digital humanities. By encouraging exchanges of experience, networking of players and collective reflection on the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in the 21st century, the AUF was able to strengthen its ties with its Asian partners.servation of cultural heritage in the digital age, the AUF reaffirms its commitment to a scientific, innovative and supportive Francophonie.

Our warmest thanks go to Wuhan University for its active participation, its exemplary welcome and the impeccable organization of the Francophone workshop, which made the event such a success.

Source: www.auf.org/