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 on October 30-31.
A total of 137 countries, including Bangladesh will attend the two-day event that 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 60 years of ICCROM’s activities, according to a message received here from Rome. ICCROM became officially operational in Rome on March 1,1959.
Over these 60 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 inception, said the organisers.
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 the 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 on October 30.
A thematic discussion titled “Decolonisation 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.
It 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 General Assembly.
This award is granted to individuals who have contributed significantly to ICCROM’s development, or who have special merits in the field of conservation, protection and restoration of cultural heritage.