Telling global heritage stories, together: INTO Places in seven new languages

A new blog by Ellie Oliver, INTO Communications Manager

World Heritage Day has a wonderful way of inviting us to pause, reflect and reconnect – not just with the places we care for, but with the people and stories that bring them to life.

This year, I’m especially proud to share something that feels like a true celebration of our global INTO community: the creation of our INTO Places video in seven new languages.

Why INTO Places matters

INTO Places is all about spotlighting and sharing the extraordinary diversity of heritage looked after by our members around the world – from iconic landscapes to lesser-known sites, and from historic buildings to living cultural traditions. At its heart, it’s a reminder that while our places may be rooted in specific locations, the values behind them are shared globally: care, connection, stewardship and hope for the future.

But storytelling only truly works when people can see – and hear – themselves reflected in it.

Opening doors through language

Creating new language versions of the INTO Places video felt like a natural and meaningful step. Heritage belongs to everyone, and language plays a powerful role in making that feel true. By sharing this film in seven additional languages – it is already available in English and German – we’re not just translating words. We’re expanding access, inviting new voices in, and recognising the richness of our international membership.

World Heritage Day felt like the perfect moment to do this. It’s a day that reminds us that heritage has always crossed borders, shaped by centuries of exchange, migration and collaboration. This languages project is a small but heartfelt expression of that same spirit.

Like so much of what we do at INTO, this project was rooted in collaboration. It wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity, enthusiasm and expertise of colleagues and members from across our network, who helped bring these new versions to life.

Working together in this way was a lovely reminder of what makes INTO special: a global family willing to share skills, time and knowledge to strengthen our collective voice.

Looking ahead

I hope these new language versions help more people feel welcomed into the INTO story – whether they’re discovering us for the first time or seeing their own work reflected back in a new way.

As we celebrate World Heritage Day, I’m left feeling incredibly grateful: for our places, for our people, and for the many ways we continue to learn from one another across borders.

Here’s to telling our stories more widely, more inclusively, and together.