From Establishment to Present-Day Governance
Foundation & Development
Understanding the foundation and development of ICOMOS Lebanon helps explain the values, working principles, and professional standards that continue to guide the Committee today.
Founding Context
ICOMOS Lebanon was initiated in 2016 through a meeting at the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA), launching the process to establish a National Committee. Heritage professionals had previously collaborated informally under the presidency of Joseph FARES.
The Founding General Assembly in 2016 led to the official establishment and legal recognition of ICOMOS Lebanon as an organization in 2017.
Legal & Institutional Framework
ICOMOS Lebanon is legally constituted as an organization under the Declaration Number 365, dated February 22, 2017, published in the Lebanese Official Gazette:
- Issue No. 11
- Publication date: 02 March 2017
- Pages: 1314–1315
Governance Evolution
Following its initiation, ICOMOS Lebanon adopted transitional governance arrangements until its formal recognition in 2017. This period allowed for alignment with the Statutes and Rules of Procedure of ICOMOS International and to establish its foundations.
In 2021, the Committee held its first official elections, transitioning to elected governance in line with ICOMOS principles and governance practices.
Assaad SEIF
President
ICOMOS Lebanon
(2024–2027)
A Word from the President
“Esteemed Members of ICOMOS Lebanon,
On behalf of the newly elected Board, it is a great honor to serve ICOMOS Lebanon and to support our shared commitment to safeguarding and promoting Lebanon’s cultural heritage.
As an advisory body on heritage conservation, ICOMOS Lebanon contributes expertise and guidance on matters related to Lebanese heritage, including the protection and stewardship of the country’s World Heritage sites. Within the framework of the 1972 World Heritage Convention, the Committee may also contribute to expert missions when called upon by ICOMOS International.
The Board’s priority is to strengthen ICOMOS Lebanon’s presence and engagement at both the national and international levels, while fostering collaboration among members and reinforcing the Committee’s contribution to the global ICOMOS network.
Together, through our shared expertise and commitment, we can continue to uphold the highest standards of heritage conservation and ensure that Lebanon’s remarkable cultural heritage remains protected and celebrated for generations to come.”
Boards & Governance
Our Current Board
2024-2027
President
Associate Professor, Archaeologist, and Cultural Heritage Expert
Vice President
Architect Restorer and Cultural Heritage Expert
SecGen.
Architect and Cultural Heritage Expert
Accountant
Conservation Architect and Cultural Heritage Expert
Treasurer
Architect Restorer and Archaeologist
Board Member
Professor, Architect Restorer, and Museology Expert
Board Member
Professor, Architect, and Urbanism and Built Heritage Expert
A Message from the Current Board
“Serving on the Board of ICOMOS Lebanon is both an honor and a responsibility that we approach with great commitment. Our community brings together professionals who share a deep dedication to the protection and understanding of Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage.
We are grateful for the engagement and expertise of our members and look forward to continuing this journey together. Through collaboration, dialogue, and shared commitment, we can contribute meaningfully to the preservation and recognition of Lebanon’s heritage, both nationally and within the global ICOMOS network.”
Governance Timeline
Key milestones in the evolution of ICOMOS Lebanon’s governance and board structure.
Current Board
A new Board was elected in 2024.
Elected Board
- President: Assaad SEIF
- Vice-President: Grace RIHANE
- Secretary General: Gaëlle STEPHAN
- Accountant: Maroun HOSHAYMEH
- Treasurer: Michel DAOUD
- Members: Antoine FISHFISH, Divina ABOU JAOUDE
First Elections
Internal reorganization was followed by the first official elections of ICOMOS Lebanon.
Elected Board
- President: Yasmine MAKAROUN
- Vice-President: Liliane BARAKAT BUCCIANTI
- Secretary General: Nabil ITANI
- Accountant: Jean YASMINE
- Treasurer: Michel DAOUD
- Members: Antoine LAHOUD, Robert SALIBA (decd)
Board Expansion
Two additional members joined the Board.
New Board Members
- Souheir MABSOUT
- Yasmine MAKAROUN
Continuity
The Board composition remained stable for the majority of the reporting period, ensuring institutional continuity and consistent governance.
Resignations
During this period, two members resigned:- Sarah-Lily YASSINE (Secretary General)
- Nahida KHALIL (Board Member)
Legal Establishment
ICOMOS Lebanon was officially registered as a non-governmental organization with the Ministry of Interior.
Board (Designated)
- President: Jeanine ABDUL MASSIH
- Vice-President: Liliane BARAKAT BUCCIANTI
- Secretary General: Sarah-Lily YASSINE
- Accountant: Jean YASMINE
- Treasurer: Anis CHAAYA (decd)
- Member: Nahida KHALIL
Initiation and Founding General Assembly
Founding Board (Designated)
- President: Rawiya BARAKE MAJZOUB
- Board Members: Georges ZOUEIN, Jeanine ABDUL MASSIH, Lucy SEMAAN, Mousbah RAJAB, Robert SALIBA (decd), Serge YAZIGI
Founding Members (Informal General Assembly)
Abdel Halim JABRE · Anis CHAAYA (decd) · Assaad SEIF · Jawad ABI AKL · Jean YASMINE · Josef CHALOUHI · Liliane BARAKAT BUCCIANTI · Marwan ZOUEIN · Mazen HAIDAR · Nabil ITANI · Nadine HAROUN PANAYOT · Youssef KHALIFE
Why Choose ICOMOS Lebanon?
ICOMOS Lebanon brings together independent expertise in architectural conservation, archaeology, urban heritage, and cultural landscapes, grounded in both international standards and local realities.
International Legitimacy, Local Grounding
As the Lebanese National Committee of ICOMOS, we operate within the global ICOMOS network, aligning our work with internationally recognized doctrines, charters, and methodologies, while remaining deeply rooted in Lebanon’s legal, cultural, and institutional context.
Multidisciplinary Expertise
Our members include architects, planners, researchers, and heritage professionals with diverse backgrounds. This allows us to address heritage challenges holistically – from technical conservation questions to broader social, cultural, and territorial issues.
Independence and Professional Integrity
ICOMOS Lebanon acts as an independent, non-governmental body. Our positions, assessments, and recommendations are guided by professional standards, scientific rigor, and ethical responsibility, rather than political or commercial interests.
Experience in a Complex Context
Working in Lebanon means operating in a context marked by economic constraints and surrounding crises. This has strengthened our ability to assess risk, prioritize interventions, and adapt international best practices to challenging realities.
Dialogue and Capacity Building
We serve as a platform for exchange between professionals, institutions, and civil society. Through workshops, events, and advisory activities, we contribute to strengthening heritage knowledge, professional capacity, and public awareness.
Commitment to Future Generations
Our work aims not only to protect heritage assets, but also to ensure their transmission, relevance, and sustainability for future generations, recognizing heritage as a shared cultural resource and a foundation for resilient communities.
Would you like to start a project with us?
ICOMOS Lebanon works with institutions and organizations on heritage-related projects in Lebanon and internationally, combining local knowledge with international conservation standards. We welcome collaborative initiatives that support the protection and sustainable management of cultural heritage.