On the eve of the "New Seven Wonders of the World" that are to
be unveiled in Lisbon this Saturday, many scholars are questioning
the contest's validity and reliability, pointing out that the
organizer is under suspicion of using the event for personal
financial gain.
The Beijing Morning Post on Thursday reported that lots
of people have criticized the voting process, saying it was far
from perfect.
It's being said that of the 21 historical sites from different
countries that were included on the shortlist, people have tended
to vote only for those site(s) in their own country, instead of
seriously considering the really qualified ones. This potential for
national patriotism will certainly have an impact on the
competition's outcome and reliability.
Egyptian antiquities expert Zahi Hawass pointed out that the
"New Seven World Wonders" should have been suitably organized by
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization, UNESCO, under strict standards and with appraisal
from worldwide experts, rather than by the private initiative of
businessman, Bernard Weber.
Even worse, UNESCO, for its part, never confirmed that it would
support the seven-year long event. In fact, a statement released by
the organization on June 20 clarifies its stance, saying that there
is no comparison between Mr. Weber's campaign and UNESCO's World
Heritage List.
Another controversial aspect is whether or not the event's
organizer is making use of the Seven Wonders global "appeal" for
commercial gains.
Over 90 million votes have been cast in the competition. Online
voting is for free, but it only allows each person to vote once.
People without access to the internet, however, have been
encouraged to pay international rates and vote by telephone or text
message. Those keen to cast multiple votes can register for a
further vote online, by purchasing a "certificate" at 2 US dollars
a pop.
Moreover, it's been predicted that the New Seven Wonders
Foundation might receive up to 6.37 million euros in revenue by
selling tickets to the unveiling ceremony at Lisbon's Benfica's
Stadium of Light on July 7. Not to mention the considerable income
that will be generated from selling off TV relay rights. A Mexican
newspaper has drolly commented that: "It's a quite fresh way of
earning money."
However, Tia B. Viering, spokeswoman for the "New Seven Wonders
of the World" campaign, tried to explain to the Beijing Morning
Post on Thursday the reasons for the campaign. Viering said world
heritage and historical places belong to all of mankind, everyone
has the right to select their favorite, especially through means of
voting.
As to the commercial question, she said the organizer have
already put more than 10 million euros into the campaign. She
insisted it is a non-profit organization, one which will use the
proceeds of paid-for voting and other income to cover daily costs
and future promotion and protection work of the "New Seven
Wonders".
The "New Seven Wonders" contest was instigated by Swiss
businessman, Bernard Weber, at the turn of the millennium. The
panel of experts, chaired by the former director general of UNESCO,
Dr. Federico Mayor, short-listed nominations according to those who
received the most votes by the end of 2005, narrowing the list down
to 21 finalists in 2006.
As the massive polling draws to a close, the Great Wall of
China, the Colosseum in Rome and Peru's Machu Picchu are leading
contenders to be on the list.
The President of Portugal will attend the unveiling ceremony on
Saturday evening.
(CRI.com July 6, 2007)