ICOM Europe 2024 International Conference: “Heritage Resilience: Safeguarding Cultural Legacy in Crisis Zones”

Join us on November 28-29, 2024, for the ICOM Europe International Conference dedicated to addressing critical issues related to the protection of cultural heritage during crises. This conference marks the 70th anniversary of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding humanity’s cultural heritage.

The conference program includes keynote speeches, thematic sessions and panel discussions focusing on:

• Protecting heritage during conflicts and crises
• Legal and legislative frameworks for heritage protection
• The role of collaboration in enhancing resilience
• The role of communication in crisis situations
• Prevention and risk management of natural hazards
• Innovative strategies for heritage restoration

Discover the full program here.

How to Register

To register for the online broadcast, please click here and complete the form by November 26, 2024. Upon registration, you will receive a link to access the live sessions.

Relevance and Context

The conference holds particular significance in light of the critical challenges to heritage protection on both global and national scales. In Georgia, the armed conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia have inflicted substantial damage on cultural heritage, a situation that continues to this day, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable mechanisms to protect heritage.

Globally, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and other regions have further exacerbated vulnerabilities. The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage has become a tactic of war, aimed at erasing identities and cultural symbols.

The ICOM Europe 2024 Conference aims to address these critical issues by redefining and reevaluating the roles of governmental and non-governmental entities while aligning with international conventions. By examining ongoing cases of heritage destruction and global trends, the conference will highlight the importance of implementing the protocols and principles of the 1954 Hague Convention on its 70th anniversary.

Networking Opportunities

Alongside its sessions, the conference will feature networking events and cultural tours, offering participants the chance to build connections and explore Georgia’s rich cultural heritage.

Project Organizers and Partners

The ICOM Europe 2024 International Conference is part of a project funded under the ICOM SAREC Grant Program. Prior to the conference, a specialized training series will take place on November 25-27, focusing on practical skills and strategies for disaster risk management, emergency preparedness, and crisis communication. The training will share best practices and innovative approaches for protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones.