Sessions

The ICOMOS Scientific Symposium, under the main theme “LIVING HERITAGE: RESPECT, ACCEPT, ENHANCE, PARTNERSHIP,” is designed to foster research and discussion on specialized topics. In direct response to the Triennial Scientific Plan (TSP) 2024–2027 theme, “DISASTER AND CONFLICT RESILIENT HERITAGE,” various International Scientific Committees (ISCs) and Working Groups (WGs) have organized dedicated sessions to enrich the data collection and discussion on specific fields,.

Below is a list of the sessions for which participants may submit abstracts:

Heritage Management Planning Systems: Challenges, Lessons Learned and Potential New Approaches (ICAHM)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM)
  • Chair: Dr. Matt Whincop (matt@whincoparchaeology.com.au)
  • Co-Chair: Dr. Matthias Ripp (matthiasripp@posteo.de)
  • Description: This session explores the evolving challenges of heritage management planning, including climate change, urban expansion, tourism, and governance pressures. Experts will examine shortcomings of current approaches and share international case studies highlighting adaptive, inclusive, and implementable strategies. A new prototype framework will be introduced, featuring modular, layered plans with thematic work packages to enhance flexibility, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability. The session aims to foster discussion on practical, forward-looking solutions for effective management across archaeological, urban, and landscape heritage contexts.

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Living Historical Cities: New Paradigms and Call to Action (CIVVIH)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS International Committee on Historic Cities, Towns and Villages (CIVVIH)
  • Chair: Dr. Paula Cordeiro (paula.cordeiro@icomoswalloniebruxelles.be)
  • Description: This reflection day explores historic cities as dynamic, living heritage systems, responding to climate change, social evolution, overtourism, and digital transformation. The session invites papers showcasing innovative approaches, case studies, and practical solutions for managing and sustaining urban heritage. Themes include community participation, equity, resilience, ecological adaptation, and the integration of technology and AI. The goal is to identify best practices, learn from challenges, and equip stakeholders with strategies to anticipate and enable the future of living historic cities.

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Does ICOMOS still need Doctrinal Documents? (Theophilos)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration (THEIPHILOS)
  • Chair: Dr Nigel Walter (theophilos@icomos.org)
  • Description: This session, hosted by TheoPhilos, examines the relevance of universal doctrinal documents in heritage conservation today. As local communities and regional priorities play an increasing role, the session will explore the case for continuing or revising such documents, drawing on practical experiences and facilitating a broad dialogue among ICOMOS members and International Scientific Committees. Participants are invited to discuss the feasibility, desirability, and future role of doctrinal guidance in shaping conservation practice worldwide.

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Knowledge, Standards, Guidelines and Resources for Education and training in Architectural Conservation (CIF)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Training (CIF)
  • Chair: Dr Cristina González-Longo (c.gonzalez-longo@strath.ac.uk)
  • Description: This session, proposed by ICOMOS CIF, explores international education and training in architectural conservation. Leading educators will present global perspectives, best practices, and recent research on curricula, methodologies, and accreditation. The discussion aims to strengthen standards, share resources, and foster international cooperation to ensure effective training for the protection, management, and sustainable conservation of built heritage, historic sites, and cultural landscapes.

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Living Wooden Heritage (IIWC)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS International Wood Committee (IIWC)
  • Chair: Asst Prof. Süheyla Koç (iiwc-secretariat@icomos.org)
  • Description:The IIWC Scientific Symposium explores living wooden heritage—wooden structures and traditions actively used, maintained, and shaped by communities—with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. The one-day symposium addresses sustainability, resilience, ethics, and community engagement, highlighting traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, and Indigenous participation. Through case studies, field-based experiences, and discussions, the session promotes multi- and transdisciplinary approaches to conservation, risk management, and collaborative stewardship, concluding with a roundtable and an optional site excursion to showcase practical strategies for sustaining living wooden heritage.

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Safeguarding Living Heritage and Community Resilience through Tourism: From Principles to Practice (ICTC)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC)
  • Chair: Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares (ishenares@up.edu.ph)
  • Description: This symposium, organised by the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC), examines how tourism can support living heritage and community resilience. Drawing on the 2022 ICOMOS Cultural Heritage Tourism Charter, participants will explore transformative approaches, community engagement, risk and disaster management, and practical case studies. The session highlights strategies that sustain cultural practices, strengthen resilience, and ensure heritage thrives amidst social, environmental, and conflict-related challenges.

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Heritage Interpretation in the mid-21st Century (ICIP)

  • Organizers:International Committee on Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites (ICIP)
  • Chair: Kerime Danis (KerimeD@cityplan.com.au)
  • Description: Proposed by ICOMOS-ICIP, this session explores contemporary approaches to heritage interpretation, emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, and community perspectives. It examines how interpretation can support living heritage, peacebuilding, crisis response, and the understanding of shared histories and memory. Participants will discuss strategies for effectively presenting heritage at World Heritage and other sites while respecting conservation standards, aiming to enhance engagement, cultural understanding, and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences in the 21st century.

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Common Threads: Similarities for a Peaceful Future (Joint Venture Partnership)

  • Organizers:IIWC, ICICH, ISCEAH, ISC20C
  • Chair: Asst Prof. Erkan Kambek (erkankambek@kambek.com)
  • Description: Proposed by ICOMOS IIWC, ISCEAH, ISC20C, and ICICH, this session explores architectural and cultural parallels across diverse societies. By examining convergent design solutions, structural forms, and symbolic motifs, participants will investigate the shared human instincts and environmental factors shaping heritage worldwide. The session highlights how recognizing these “common threads” fosters cultural diplomacy, mutual respect, and collaborative approaches to conservation. Through case studies, theoretical insights, and comparative analyses, it seeks to demonstrate how global architectural heritage can unite communities, promote dialogue, and contribute to a more peaceful and empathetic future.

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Heritage Ecosystems: Possibilities and Potentials for an inclusive Systems Approach (Joint Venture Partnership)

  • Organizers: ISCCL, ICTC, ICOFORT, ICOMOS Japan
  • Chair:
    (ISCCL): Elizabeth Brabec (isccl.president@icomos.org)
    (ICOFORT): Milagros Flores Roman (MilagrosFloresIcofort@gmail.com)
    (ICTC): Ivan Anthony Henares (ishenares@up.edu.ph)
  • Description: Hosted by ICOMOS Japan, ICTC, ISCCL, and ICOFORT, this session explores heritage as an interconnected ecosystem encompassing tangible, intangible, cultural, and natural components, including rights-holders like animals, rivers, and future generations. Building on the Gunma Declaration, it examines cross-disciplinary strategies, innovative frameworks, and collaborative governance to strengthen resilience, authenticity, and sustainability. Through keynote presentations, papers, roundtables, and open discussions, participants will explore practical and theoretical opportunities to integrate diverse perspectives, break professional silos, and advance inclusive, ecosystem-based approaches for local and global heritage practice.

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Shared Built Heritage and Cultural Routes: Seriality, Connectivity and Global Narratives (Joint Venture Partnership)

  • Organizers: ISCSBH, CIIC
  • Chair:
    (ISCSBH): Dr. Maria José Freitas (mjf@aetecnet.com)
    (CIIC): Dr Cecilia Calderon (ciicicomos.pres@gmail.com)
  • Description: This session examines heritage beyond isolated monuments, focusing on serial and shared built heritage connected through cultural routes. Exploring tangible and intangible dimensions, it considers how routes—such as the Silk Road, Camino de Santiago, or colonial trading paths—mediate historical narratives, cultural exchange, and community connections. Participants will discuss interdisciplinary approaches to conservation, governance, interpretation, and sustainable development, highlighting the potential of shared heritage to foster intercultural dialogue, global understanding, and innovative strategies for connecting heritage across regions, landscapes, and societies.

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Expansion of “ICOMOS Heritage and the Sustainable Development Goals” Policy Guidance for Heritage and Development Actors”(SDGWG)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS Sustainable Development Goals Working Group (SDGWG)
  • Chair: Dr. Naima Benkari (naima.benkari@icomos.org)
  • Description: This session highlights the central role of communities and Indigenous peoples as first responders in heritage emergencies. Focusing on disasters, conflicts, and displacement, it explores how local knowledge, leadership, and inclusive practices can safeguard tangible and intangible heritage while advancing SDG-aligned strategies. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and collaborative exercises, participants will co-develop practical tools—including a template for community-led heritage emergency protocols and SDG-linked case fiches—to inform ICOMOS guidance and strengthen resilient, ethical, and community-centred heritage response worldwide.

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Indigenous Participation in the World Heritage System: Case Studies and Observations (IHWG)

  • Organizers: ICOMOS Indigenous Heritage Working Group (IHWG)
  • Chair: Dr. Kirstine Moller Grey (keibller@gmail.com)
  • Co-Chair: Dr. Elena Chai (gelena@unimas.my)
  • Description: Led by the ICOMOS Indigenous Heritage Working Group (IHWG), this PechaKucha-style session showcases rapid, 6-minute case study presentations on Indigenous engagement in World Heritage nominations and site management. Highlighting practical experiences, lessons learned, and reflections, the session emphasizes respect, partnership, and inclusion. A moderated discussion will follow, fostering dialogue on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for meaningful Indigenous participation in safeguarding living heritage globally.

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Living Heritage in Africa: Safeguarding Intangible Practices (ICOMOS Africa)

  • Organizers:ICOMOS Africa
  • Chair: Chilangwa Chaiwa (chilangwa.chaiwa@icomos.org)
  • Description:Organised by ICOMOS Africa and ICESCO, this session explores Africa’s diverse intangible cultural heritage, from oral traditions to crafts and social rituals. Focusing on community-driven safeguarding strategies, it highlights challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and migration while showcasing innovative approaches that support cultural continuity, youth engagement, and sustainable development. Through keynote talks, case studies, and interactive dialogues, the session aims to strengthen collaboration, amplify African voices, and produce actionable recommendations for integrating living heritage into policy and practice.

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