October 17th 2019, Rome, Italy – The 31st General Assembly of ICCROM,
the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and
Restoration of Cultural Property, will be held in Rome, Italy, during
the period from 30-31 October 2019.
The two-day event will focus on the most relevant issues and topics of
concern on cultural heritage promotion and provide a platform to
stimulate dialogue on sustainable approaches for the protection and
preservation of cultural and natural heritage in the world.
The 31st General Assembly marks sixty years of ICCROM’s activities.
ICCROM was officially operational in Rome on the 1st of March 1959. Over
these sixty years, ICCROM has had strong relations with all of its
Member States, particularly with the host country, Italy, both as a
major contributor to its budget and for the institutional long-standing
scientific partnerships, which contribute significantly to ICCROM
projects and activities since its beginning.
Delegations of ICCROM’s 137 Member States will meet at this two-day
event to discuss and enhance the Rome-based agency’s strategic
directions and work plan, and elect its new governing Council. The event
will also be an opportunity to welcome ICCROM’ newest Member State,
Costa Rica, and review activities and projects implemented by its
various programmes during the course of 2018-2019.
Several high senior officials from Italy and representatives of the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations
(FAO) in addition to representatives of international organisations,
diplomats and members of the press are expected to attend the opening of
the event at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday the 30th October 2019.
A Thematic Discussion on “Decolonization of the Heritage Field and its
Implications for Preservation and Management Practices” will be held as
part of the 31st General Assembly on 31 October 2019. The Thematic
Discussion will focus on experiences and perspectives of the four
speakers from Jamaica, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa on the
relevant topic and will be followed by a panel discussion and finally an
open floor session.
The ICCROM Award Ceremony will also be held during the 31st General
Assembly. This award is granted to individuals who have contributed
significantly to ICCROM’s development, or who have special merit in the
field of conservation, protection and restoration of cultural heritage.