From the breathtaking shores of Sydney Harbour to the historically significant town hall, the city will soon transform into a global forum for cultural heritage discourse as it welcomes over 1,200 delegates from 100 countries to the 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The prestigious event is scheduled from August 31 to September 9, 2023.

Cementing Australia’s status on the world heritage stage, this event, also called GA2023, will witness over 150 activities, with a scientific symposium, expert-led workshops, lectures, and site visits scattered across ten transformative days. More information about the specific sessions can be found on the official GA2023 website.

Hyde Park Barracks

For the first time, the Pacific region will host this significant assembly in what is being hailed as a historic milestone. The assembly aims to highlight the significant role of cultural heritage in building resilient communities and ensuring global resource sustainability.

Powerful voices like June Oscar AO, the Australian Indigenous Human Rights Commissioner, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Princess Dana Firas, are set to provide keynote addresses during the symposium, reflecting the breadth and depth of thought leadership on offer.

The event’s community reach will not be limited to the delegates; local residents will also gain access to an extensive Heritage Exposition at Darling Harbour and a public Heritage Lecture at the Sydney Town Hall. The former provides an excellent opportunity for the local community to learn about various aspects of world heritage. At the same time, the latter fosters an environment of learning and discussion around heritage topics.

A highlight of GA2023 will be the unique Youth Forum on Cockatoo Island / Wareamah, which will engage young minds worldwide in cultural heritage dialogues. A trip to the Greater Blue Mountains and a World Heritage Panel discussion are notable inclusions on the event agenda.

Luna Park at night

The GA2023 Convenor, Prof Richard Mackay, voiced his pride about Australia hosting the event, noting, “Australia is home to 20 World Heritage properties. The General Assembly of ICOMOS will showcase the best of our nation’s heritage and practice to local and international audiences, including community members, governments, and experts.”

The role of heritage in our changing world will be a central theme at the Scientific Symposium (September 4-8), with discussions centring around resilience, responsibility, rights, and relationships. The symposium will explore how communities and heritage practitioners can plan to alleviate the impacts of climate change on cultural heritage.

The event’s success depends heavily on the invaluable support of the Australian and NSW Governments, various partners, and the professional expertise of Australasian event management company, Arinex.

Australia ICOMOS President, Prof Tracy Ireland, emphasised the symposium’s importance, “Cultural heritage has a pivotal role to play in adapting to and mitigating impacts from climate change. GA2023 is an opportunity to bring experts together to discuss how communities and heritage practitioners can plan to alleviate climate impacts on cultural heritage.”

With the global spotlight on Sydney, this event promises to raise international awareness about Australia’s cultural heritage and enhance the understanding of heritage’s critical role in our rapidly evolving world. The countdown to GA2023 is officially on!

Written by: Christine Nguyen

===================================