Keynote Speech at the International Conference for the Integrated Development of Sighisoara and the Saxon Villages of Transylvania

By
Owaise Saadat
Country Manager, Romania
The World Bank Group
Sighisoara, Romania, November 15, 2004

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have the honor and pleasure of participating in the “International Conference for the Integrated Development of Sighisoara and the Saxon Villages of Transylvania.” On behalf of the World Bank, I wish to specially congratulate the Mihai Eminescu Trust and the UNDP for organizing this event and for their continuing efforts to promote the development and rehabilitation of the Saxon Villages in Transylvania. 

Perhaps, some of the audience is asking why the World Bank is involved in this Conference. I am aware that most people probably think of the Bank as a cold hearted, hard nosed institution, preoccupied with economic and financial policies and promoting public sector projects. As a matter of fact, the Bank’s people centered development policies require it to be deeply involved in the preservation and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage, which affects the lives and livelihood of the surrounding rural communities.   There are three main reasons for the Bank’s involvement in the area of cultural heritage. First, our involvement is critical for its  “demonstration effect”. The Bank can act as a catalyst for private sector and civil society participation in  preserving a country’s cultural assets.  Secondly, the Bank is involved because of the close nexus between preservation of cultural heritage and community development.  Our long experience has demonstrated that the sustainable development of the cultural sector is critically dependant on the economic well being of the communities, influenced or influencing the cultural sites - - the Bank actively promotes this symbiotic relationship. The third and important reason for the Banks’ involvement is its ability to take risks for investing in cultural heritage, and thereby providing an opportunity for innovating replicable models of community development.  

Since Romania is known for its rich natural and cultural heritage, the Bank approved, in 1999, a US $5 million Learning and Innovation Loan for Cultural Heritage. The government of Romania contributed an additional US$2million for this project. Over the past five years, the project has amply demonstrated the challenges of addressing a complex sector and also establishing replicable pilots. For instance, the restoration of the 18^th century Mogosoaia Palace has opened the prospects for the commercialization of this asset, which now sustains its upkeep and preservation. The recent  landscaping at the  Brancusi Sculptural Ensemble funded by the World Monument Fund and the Bank has created a sustainable social capital of which Romanians can be proud of, and generations can enjoy. Last but not least, the intervention of World Bank also supported the Saxon Villages, particularly activities at Viscri, Mosna and Biertan. More importantly, the Cultural Heritage Project has piloted  economic activities for the surrounding communities, and helped restore other cultural structures like the historic wooden churches in Tisa and Sacalu.

Let me conclude by touching on the World Bank’s overall strategy and plans for supporting cultural heritage activities in Romania. As you perhaps know, Bank assistance is being provided in several sectors, many of which either directly or indirectly contribute to the sustainability of Romania’s natural and cultural heritage. Just to mention a few, we are helping implement the Social Development Fund and the Rural Development Projects which support investments in small scale community based projects. Similarly, The Forestry Development, Rural Finance, and Biodiversity Conservation Projects are supporting community investments, which could also benefit the Sighisoara communities. Please be assured that the Bank is committed to work further with the government, the civil society and NGOs to identify programs and investments to mobilize increased private sector participation in the worthwhile activities under discussion at this conference.

Therefore, I look forward to very productive discussion and continuing partnership in the cultural heritage field. Thank you.