Participants said innovation should extend beyond conservation itself to generate broader cultural and economic value.

Guests visit an exhibition during the meeting in Dunhuang. [Photo provided to China Daily]

　　Heri Yogaswara, head of the Archaeology, Language and Literature Research Organization at Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), said stronger research networks and international cooperation are essential to maximizing the social and economic value of cultural heritage. Indonesia is working to better connect archaeological research with creative industries, digital innovation and cultural tourism so that heritage conservation can generate broader public benefits, he said.

　　"We hope to strengthen collaboration with China and other ASEAN partners in research, innovation and infrastructure," he said."Research should not stop at academic discovery. It should also contribute to creative industries and benefit society."

　　That broader vision also places heritage within the framework of sustainable development.

　　Li Hong, representing the UNESCO World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region in Shanghai, said heritage should contribute to sustainable development by integrating environmental protection, economic vitality, cultural continuity, and community well-being into everyday management. "Through research, planning and good governance, heritage can become an important force that benefits communities while passing cultural values on to future generations."

　　As heritage cooperation expands, participants also highlighted the importance of stronger institutional support.