Overseas engagements for heritage organisation – Julian Menko, MUSPP Class of 2025

Julian has had the privilege of augmenting his MUSPP studies through engagements at the intersection of cultural heritage, climate justice, and the built environment, both in Southeast Asia and globally, as a Board of Trustee for the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO). INTO brings together a diverse network of heritage organisations from around the globe, united in their efforts to conserve and preserve global heritage, encompassing natural, cultural, and both tangible and intangible heritages.

Julian’s first engagement with INTO during Term 1 at the “Facing Change” Jordan 2024 conference resonated with his motivations for pursuing studies in urbanism. He shares that “As a first experience with INTO, the conference in Jordan not only reinforced the deep link between urban practitioners and those in the heritage sector, but also served as a reminder of the responsibilities of urbanists and heritage practitioners in times of crisis and injustice. Meeting in Jordan, we were privileged with the strong attendance of regional counterparts, such as the urgent and inspiring stories and initiatives shared by Palestinian and Syrian delegates, allowing for many difficult, but necessary conversations, particularly on our role to advocate in heritage/urbanist spaces…”

During Term 3, Julian has had the opportunity to represent INTO at the South East Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance’s (SEACHA) Youth Meeting and Culture Heritage Clinic in Bali, Indonesia, as well as present as part of a Youth Panel at the INTO Symposium “Uniting global voices for heritage and nature” in London, U.K.

The Youth Meeting and Culture Heritage Clinic coincided with SEACHA’s in-person board meeting. Julian presented to and discussed with the board and youth contingent on a proposed mutually beneficial partnership between INTO and SEACHA. Attendance at the talks over the weekend allowed for engaging in heritage site visits showing a different side of Bali and interesting discussions, such as exploring the role of vernacular architecture in the future of context-specific sustainable developments, as well as the development of toolkits and policy recommendations for advocating for heritage value in planning and development.

The convening in London served as the INTO board’s annual in-person board meeting, accompanied by strategy and feedback sessions, site visits and the INTO Symposium. Julian’s sharing as part of the youth panel focused on four points related to youth in heritage.

• The “youth” are not a monolith: Engagements with youth must not overlook the nuances of a diverse global group, who will share differing experiences with and perspectives on topics such as emergent technologies.
• Bridging disconnect: Many young people – particularly those from marginalised groups – rarely see themselves represented in traditional heritage spaces, which often elevate certain stories at the expense of others.
• Beyond representation: Engaging youth in heritage spaces must go beyond representation but be intentional in elevating and empowering their voices and equipping them to make a difference in their communities and advocate on their behalf at global convenings.
• Continuity and skills development: Efforts “beyond representation” should include programmes that equip youth with skills, resources, networks and support with projects, supporting a more decentralised and sustainable approach whereby these youth can go on to empower other youth in their communities.

Julian’s role as a Trustee also includes strategy and programming for the organisation to strengthen its engagement with and empowerment of youth. INTO has recently opened a call for applicants for a Youth Committee to bring together a dynamic team of youth representatives from across the globe to guide and champion this work, aiming to empower the next generation of heritage leaders and elevate more intersectional perspectives. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 who are involved with or connected to a National Trust or similar heritage organisation are encouraged to apply here if the role resonates with them.