"Even the food we enjoy today tells stories of centuries of dialogue. Heritage is not simply about preserving monuments or traditions. At its heart, it is about maintaining connections between people, places and cultures."

　　Henares said today's shared challenges, including climate change, rapid urbanization and the loss of traditional knowledge, require closer regional cooperation.

　　"China has much to offer in scientific conservation, digital innovation and heritage interpretation, while Southeast Asia has valuable experience in community-based conservation, living heritage and managing diverse cultural landscapes," he said. "Our different practices complement each other."

　　For Zhang Xiaogang, deputy head of the Dunhuang Academy, the city itself demonstrates why such exchanges remain relevant today.

　　Located at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang became a meeting place where civilizations encountered, influenced, and enriched one another. "Dunhuang cultural heritage embodies the openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and coexistence that characterized the Silk Road," Zhang said.

　　"The ancient Silk Road promoted economic development and cultural exchanges across continents. Today, countries face the common task of pursuing peace and development, making it all the more important to carry forward the Silk Road spirit."

　　If history provides the foundation for China-ASEAN heritage cooperation, participants agree that innovation is opening new pathways for the two sides to protect, revitalize and share their cultural heritage.

　　Digital technology emerged as one of the strongest themes throughout the dialogue, with experts highlighting how artificial intelligence, big data and digital modeling are reshaping both heritage conservation and public engagement.