The world heritage body International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) will hold its next global General Assembly in Sydney, the first time the event will be held in the Pacific region.
Scheduled for 2023, the program will include site visits, workshops, lectures, and meetings between heritage experts from around the world.
Delegates will visit heritage sites including Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park Barracks and Luna Park, and will also be given the opportunity to visit cities and regions across Australia.
Australia ICOMOS president Helen Lardner said the theme of the assembly – Heritage Changes: Resilience, Responsibility, Rights, Relationships – reflect the tumultuous changes taking place in the world. “But [it is] also a positive message about the role of our heritage in supporting rapid recovery and inclusive approaches,” she said.
“GA2023 will highlight stories and techniques for conserving important cultural sites and will make an important contribution to the re-emergence of Sydney and Australia more broadly as a leading cultural tourism destination”
Headquartered in Paris, ICOMOS is a professional association with has more than 10,000 members globally – architects, historians, planners, archaeologists and other specialists. It advocates for the protection of cultural heritage sites and advises the World Heritage Committee and national governments about heritage issues.
Federal environment minister Sussan Ley welcomed the announcement of Australia’s successful bid to host the assembly.
“Australia is a global leader in heritage conservation, and our hosting the General Assembly aligns closely with our commitment to the management of 20 World Heritage properties – with more nominations on the way,” she said.“As an active member of the World Heritage Committee, and one of the first nations to adopt the World Heritage Convention, we are delighted to partner with the NSW Government and ICOMOS to bring this prestigious global gathering to Sydney”, she said.
NSW heritage minister Don Harwin said the event would highlight the state’s achievements in cultural heritage management.
“Sydney and NSW boast wonderful heritage places ranging from important Aboriginal sites with rich stories, to the convict Hyde Park Barracks and Parramatta’s historic Female Factory,” he said. “Our ICOMOS visitors will share knowledge of great conservation practice and enjoy amazing cultural experiences at iconic venues like Sydney Opera House. This event will boost cultural tourism, and attendees will become advocates for the amazing experiences that our cultural heritage offers.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
