ICOMOS Representative Appointed to the Habitat Professional Forum

Ms. Ishac brings to this role over 25 years of dedicated experience in heritage preservation and sustainable urban development. An ICOMOS member since 2005 and currently Vice President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Historic Cities, Towns and Villages (CIVVIH), she succeeds Eric Huybrechts, also member of CIVVIH – who served as Co-Chair of the HPF on behalf of ICOMOS from 2022 to 2024. ICOMOS warmly thanks Eric Huybrechts for his service as our first representative on this body.

ICOMOS’ continued engagement within the HPF is particularly important, following the adoption in 2022 of the Forum’s Roadmap for Recovery. This strategic framework addresses 22 thematic areas, including climate change, pandemics, armed conflicts, the development of megacities and smart cities, and emphasizes a renewed Declaration on Participation. The HPF also organizes the Professional Round Table, a key part of the official agenda of the World Urban Forum, with the next forum scheduled to take place in Baku in 2026.

With a strong background in public heritage management in France and urban housing initiatives in Tripoli, Lebanon, Ms Ishac has consistently worked at the intersection of environmental concerns, urban resilience, and social equity. Her work on urban renewal programs (ANRU) and her role as a lecturer on sustainable development at IPAG Paris further illustrate her commitment to these themes.
Ms. Ishac will also work closely with Claus-Peter Echter (Immediate Past President of CIVVIH), who continues to serve as ICOMOS representative to UN-Habitat – particularly in relation to the World Urban Campaign – of which ICOMOS is an associate partner – and at the World Urban Forum.

With this new chapter of representation at the HPF, ICOMOS reaffirms its dedication to advocating for heritage-led urban development and contributing to a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for cities worldwide.