International Days

© UNESCO Archives and Heritage Conservation: Preserving the Memory of Cultural Places International Archives Day is celebrated on 9 June and is coordinated by the International Council on Archives. The day highlights the importance of archives in preserving documentary heritage, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding historical knowledge. For the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and its national committees, archives are fundamental to cultural heritage conservation and research. The protection of monuments and sites depends not only on physical conservation but also on the preservation of historical records that document their history, construction, and transformation. On International Archives Day, ICOMOS Lebanon highlights the vital role of archives in safeguarding cultural heritage. Architectural drawings, photographs, excavation records, and restoration reports provide essential knowledge that supports the protection, conservation, and interpretation of monuments and sites. By preserving documentary heritage, archives help ensure that the history and memory of cultural places are transmitted to future generations.

© Public Domain   Recognizing the Cultures, Rights, and Contributions of Indigenous Peoples For the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and its national committees, Indigenous peoples play a central role in the understanding and safeguarding of cultural heritage. Many cultural landscapes, sacred sites, and traditional settlements around the world are deeply connected to Indigenous communities whose knowledge systems have shaped the stewardship of land, water, and natural resources for generations. Indigenous knowledge contributes significantly to the conservation of heritage sites and landscapes. Traditional practices related to land management, architecture, water systems, and ecological stewardship often reflect centuries of accumulated knowledge about living sustainably within specific environments. Recognizing these knowledge systems strengthens more inclusive and culturally sensitive approaches to heritage conservation. On this day, heritage professionals and institutions are encouraged to acknowledge the cultural rights of Indigenous peoples, support their participation in decision-making processes related to heritage, and ensure that conservation practices respect traditional knowledge, cultural values, and community relationships with place.