ICOMOS Africa, in collaboration with ICOMOS International Scientific Committees (ISCs), is launching a webinar series aimed at strengthening engagement, knowledge exchange and capacity building in the field of cultural heritage across Africa.
About ICOMOS Africa’s ISC Webinar Series
The idea of a webinar series responds directly to recommendations from the 2025 ICOMOS General Assembly held in Nepal, which called for stronger support from ISCs to National Committees (NCs) in Africa. The Assembly emphasized the urgent need for capacity-building efforts, particularly in areas such as heritage documentation, archiving, digital inventories (covering both tangible and intangible heritage) and disaster risk management.
In this context, ICOMOS Africa is establishing a structured and accessible platform that connects African heritage practitioners with international expertise through a series of thematic online sessions.
The collaboration of the ISCs was essential, as they represent a significant reservoir of global knowledge, methodologies, and best practices.
This webinar series aims to bridge that gap by fostering meaningful exchanges and strengthening professional networks.
Main objectives
The overarching goal of the series is to enhance the capacities of ICOMOS National Committees in Africa through structured collaboration with ISCs.
More specifically, the initiative seeks to:
- Provide practical guidance on key topics such as documentation, archiving, and digital inventories
- Share case studies and best practices from Africa and beyond
- Promote a better understanding of ISC activities and encourage broader African participation
- Strengthen collaboration between African NCs and ISCs
- Support the integration of risk management approaches in heritage conservation
Format of the webinar series
The webinar series will feature:
- Introductory presentations on ICOMOS and how to engage with its network
- Presentations from participating ISCs outlining their missions and activities
- Expert-led sessions showcasing case studies and field experiences
- Interactive Q&A segments to encourage dialogue
- Networking opportunities to foster connections among participants
Each session will be co-organised with a specific ISC and tailored to a particular thematic focus.
Participation
The series is designed for a broad audience, including:
- Members of ICOMOS National Committees in Africa
- Heritage professionals and practitioners
- Academics and researchers
- Cultural institutions and organizations
- Students and emerging professionals in heritage-related fields
All are welcome to join.
Webinars
17 April, 12pm CET – Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICICH)
30 April, 12pm CET – Places of Religion and Ritual (PRERICO)
6 May, 1pm CET – Education and Training (CIF)
27 May, 1pm CET – Cultural Tourism (ICTC)
13 June, 3pm CET – Cultural Routes (CIIC)
22 June, 2pm CET – Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage (ISCARSAH)
6 August, 1pm CET – Underwater Cultural Heritage (ICUCH)