Bénédicte de Montlaur, President and CEO of the World Monuments Fund, discusses the urgent need to preserve cultural heritage in the face of conflict, climate change, and urbanization. She describes the impact of destruction on identity and belonging, and the importance of storytelling and community involvement in the preservation process. 

From the corridors of French diplomacy to her current role, Bénédicte shares the pivotal experiences that have shaped her appreciation for cultures. We travel around the world discussing the restoration of the Mosul Cultural Museum in Iraq and Notre-Dame Cathedral in France, and the rehabilitation of traditional water management systems in India. Bénédicte gives us a global overview of the role of preservation in promoting intercultural understanding and healing after loss. 

Explore more:

• Website: World Monument Fund
• Instagram: @worldmonumentsfund and @benedictedemontlaur

Connect with Melissa Ceria and watch video clips of the interviews on Instagram @thelossencounters.

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