Cultural heritage experts from around the world will descend into Sydney from August 31 to September 9, 2023, to attend the 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of ICOMOS (the International Council on Monuments and Sites).
More than 1,200 delegates from 100 countries are slated to attend the first ICOMOS General Assembly in the Pacific region.
With over 150 events across 10 days, the programme will involve thought-provoking site visits, functions, workshops, lectures, and a five-day Scientific Symposium.
The Scientific Symposium (September 4-8) will explore the theme Heritage Changes: Resilience – Responsibility – Rights – Relationships, and reflects the tumultuous changes taking place in the world over the past few years, and the role of heritage in supporting recovery.
There will also be a Youth Forum being held over three days on Cockatoo Island / Wareamah. Additional programme highlights include a visit to the Greater Blue Mountains, and a World Heritage Panel.
There will also be two public events – a major Heritage Exposition at Darling Harbour, and a public Heritage Lecture at the Sydney Town Hall.
Australia ICOMOS president, Tracy Ireland, says heritage issues and the future of heritage are more important than ever, and the General Assembly and related Scientific Symposium (GA2023) will encourage discussion on these issues, as well as showcase innovative practices from across the globe.
“Cultural heritage has a pivotal role to play in adapting to, and mitigating impacts from, climate change and the GA2023 is an opportunity to bring experts together to discuss how communities and heritage practitioners can plan to alleviate climate impacts on cultural heritage.”
“GA2023 will provide a platform for Traditional Owners from around Australia, and First Nations communities from across the globe. It will also foster understanding of how conservation of heritage places is part of building resilient communities and ensuring the sustainability of the world’s scarce resources,” Ireland added.
