Save the date for the ICOMOS 22nd General Assembly 2026

General Information on the 22nd General Assembly

This fall, join 2,000 cultural heritage experts from 130 countries to discuss development and conservation at the prestigious ICOMOS General Assembly 2026 (GA2026), being held for the first time in Malaysia. Prepare for an exciting ten-day program of site visits, workshops, master classes, exhibitions, lectures, expert meetings and social gatherings.

ICOMOS is pleased to announce that the GA2026 official website is online and open to registration, find more information by clicking on the link below. We encourage you to book your place as soon as possible to enjoy the more advantageous rates for the General Assembly, Scientific Symposium and associated social functions, activities and tours.

Presenting the 2026 Scientific Symposium : Living Heritage

Humanity has always advanced by building upon the experiences of its ancestors. Lessons from history inform every new discovery, enabling societies to seamlessly integrate the past and the present in shaping a better future. The concept of cultural heritage has thus taken on a new embodiment—one that is adaptive, dynamic, and not confined solely to the tangible. It resides equally in living expressions and traditions, the vitality of its people, extraordinary natural landscapes, distinctive cuisine, and the potential for open-ended opportunities.

Guided by this vision, the Scientific Symposium adopts the theme “Living Heritage: Respect, Enhance, Accept, Partnership.” This aligns closely with the ICOMOS Triennial Scientific Plan (TSP) 2024–2027, a three-year roadmap outlining the main research priorities and practical directions for ICOMOS’s scientific work. The theme highlights the importance of respecting cultural diversity, enhancing shared understanding, embracing change, and fostering partnerships that support sustainability and mutual benefit.

Adopted by the ICOMOS General Assembly, the TSP 2024–2027 advances in phases: 2025 emphasizes preparedness—hazard prevention, mitigation, and resilience-building—while 2026 focuses on response, addressing how heritage can effectively withstand and recover from disasters and conflicts. These efforts are organized around five thematic areas supported by dedicated Working Groups:

• Developing Research and Policy

• Learning from Traditional Knowledge (Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities)

• Facilitating Collaboration

• Improving Communications

• Building Capacities

To foster inclusive engagement, the Assembly will feature Panel Presentations and Exhibitions, inviting both experts and the wider public to share perspectives, experiences, and reflections on living heritage.

In partnership with UNESCO, a month-long exhibition will showcase selected World Heritage Sites from different regions, highlighting UNESCO’s 80-year commitment to heritage protection. Complementary side events—including a Preliminary Assessment Workshop, World Heritage Masterclass, and sharing sessions on Heritage Impact Assessment and Best Practices—will further support knowledge exchange and capacity-building across stakeholders, aligned with the five thematic areas of the TSP 2024–2027.

Find more information on the Scientific Symposium below

Respond to the Call for Abstract Scientific Symposium 2026

The four sub-themes—Respect, Enhance, Accept, and Partnership—are designed to mobilize resources and initiatives across the five thematic foci of the Triennial Scientific Plan.

ICOMOS Members, International Scientific Committees and Working Groups are encouraged to collaborate through joint Calls for Papers and thematic sessions, enriching research, dialogue, and implementation of the Plan.

The Call will open on 20 January 2026, all submissions should be completed by 30 April 2026. Find more information on the Call for Abstracts in the link below