The AFRICA24 Conference is organized by the ICOMOS International Scientific Committees CIAV (ISC on vernacular architecture), ISCEAH (ISC on Earthen architectural heritage), ICTC (ISC on Cultural Tourism), ISCCL (ISC on Cultural Landscapes), ICICH (ISC on Intangible cultural heritage), ISCES (ISC on Energy and Sustainability), and ICOMOS International Working Groups OCD-RBA (Our Common Dignity Rights-Based Approaches) and EPWG (Emerging professionals).

This past week, ICOMOS has witnessed with horror and despair the unspeakable attacks, loss of life and suffering inflicted on Israeli and Palestinian civilians – who are again paying the heaviest price in this conflict, our own members and their families included. We express our deepest condolences and solidarity to all those who have lost or are still missing their loved ones.

On 17 October 2003, the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was adopted by the 32nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO. Twenty years later, ICOMOS takes this opportunity to interview Munish Pandit, President of the ICICH (ICOMOS International Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage) and reflect on the place our societies give this precious heritage.