
On 18 April 2023, the world celebrated the International Day for Monuments and Sites with the theme ‘Heritage Changes’.
This annual event, established by ICOMOS in 1982, provides an opportunity for heritage enthusiasts and organisations worldwide to come together and celebrate the importance of cultural heritage.

ICOMOS used social media to share highlights of events and activities organised by its committees, members and partners around the world via the hashtags #18April #ICOMOS #HeritageChanges #heritage4climate #IDMS2023 #icomosIDMS2023. Virtual tours of historic sites, lectures and discussions on the role of cultural heritage in promoting climate resilience, community-led initiatives demonstrating the importance of traditional knowledge and practices in addressing climate change were organised to celebrate IDMS.
The celebration of IDMS 2023 included a variety of events and activities organised by ICOMOS, its partners and heritage enthusiasts worldwide. One of the key aspects of this year’s IDMS theme was the integration of traditional, historic building conservation, adaptive reuse and energy efficiency of heritage buildings and landscapes. Innovative infrastructure development was also presented, showing how traditional knowledge, practices and cultural heritage can be part of the solution to fight climate change.
Below is a non-exhaustive selection of 18 April 2023 events and publications.
Scientific student conference with The National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia and Chair of Theory and History of Architecture and Heritage

Visit of the Serapeum of Alexandria + discussion sessions, visit of the Museum of Fine Arts + panel discussion, seminar.

Presentation by Geographer and Consultant in Environmental Issues Irakli Kobulia, panel discussion and documentary film screening

‘Second socialist modernism’ (from 1955 until 1990) workshop and guided tours of monuments and sites of Eastern Modernism in Berlin-Brandenburg.

Publication of ‘Resilient and Sustainable Development of Historic Areas and Precincts: Focus West Bengal’
5 events and contributions
Series of events comprising site tours, roundtables on cultural heritage and volunteering, collaborative competition of cultural heritage knowledge, creation and editing of graphic promotion materials, vlog shooting and production.

Guided tours at UNESCO World Heritage Al Zubarah Archaeological Site accompanied by experts in archaeology, heritage protection, and conservation

Open-debate and meeting with Dr Ridha Mejri to discuss the symbiosis between the traditional house and its natural environment
