Sydney is set to host more than 1,000 delegates from 100 countries at an event designed to bring new World Heritage perspectives to the nation.
Taking place 31 August – 9 September, The 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of ICOMOS (the International Council on Monuments and Sites) will feature more than 150 events, including site visits, functions, workshops, lectures, and a five-day Scientific Symposium.
In an effort to reach out to the community, there will also be two community-facing events, including a major Heritage Exposition at Darling Harbour and a public Heritage Lecture at Sydney Town Hall.
“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,” Australia ICOMOS President, Professor Tracy Ireland, said.
“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.”
Keynote speakers for the symposium include June Oscar, AO Australian Indigenous Human Rights Commissioner, and Her Royal Highness, Princess Dana Firas – UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and President of the Petra Trust in Jordan.
The symposium will begin at the Sydney Opera House – itself a World Heritage-listed property – before events take place across the city, ranging from the ICC Sydney, to Cockatoo Island / Wareamah and all the way to the Blue Mountains.
Australia has 20 World Heritage sites and remains one of the focal points for those that wish to study world culture.
