Save the Date: ICOMOS 22nd General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026
Heritage professionals, scholars, conservation practitioners, and advocates from around the world are invited to mark their calendars for an extraordinary global gathering in October 2026. The 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium will take place from 17 to 24 October 2026 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, marking the first time this triennial flagship event is held in Southeast Asia.
Bringing together some 2,000 cultural heritage experts from over 130 countries, the Assembly will feature a rich, ten-day programme of site visits, workshops, master classes, exhibitions, lectures and expert meetings designed to deepen dialogue on heritage conservation in a rapidly changing world.
At the heart of the Scientific Symposium is the theme “Living Heritage: Respect – Enhance – Accept – Partnership”, reflecting ICOMOS’s commitment to a dynamic understanding of heritage that embraces not only tangible monuments, but the traditions, landscapes, expressions and communities that sustain them. Rooted in the ICOMOS Triennial Scientific Plan (2024–2027), the theme highlights the importance of diversity, shared understanding, adaptability and collaborative action in safeguarding heritage for future generations.
The Symposium will explore how heritage responds to conflict, disasters, development and social change, offering inclusive platforms such as panel presentations, exhibitions and side events like World Heritage Masterclasses, heritage impact assessment workshops, and thematic sessions that bridge professional knowledge with lived experience.
Registration is already open on the official event website, and early booking is encouraged to benefit from advantageous rates for the General Assembly, Scientific Symposium and associated social programmes.
As we look ahead to this major international assembly, we are reminded of the vital role that collaboration across disciplines, cultures and communities plays in sustaining our shared heritage. Whether you are a seasoned heritage expert or emerging professional, GA2026 offers a powerful opportunity to connect, share insights and contribute to a future where heritage conservation is inclusive, innovative and deeply rooted in people and place.
