This most important triennial gathering of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) will be followed by a Scientific Symposium which will explore the theme under four sub-headings:
- Regional development,
- Development and return to the art of building,
- Development as tourism,
- The economics of development.
Both events are open to ICOMOS members and non-members alike.
The General Assembly and Scientific Symposium is organised by ICOMOS France under the High Patronage of Mr Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, and of Ms Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO. The event also benefits from the support of the Ministry of Culture and Communication, and the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing of France.
The effects of globalisation, which are manifest in the growing trends towards standardisation and westernisation, bring various forms of instability to human societies on every continent. Until now, heritage has been confined to the role of passive conservation of the past, and often been seen as a hindrance to development. In future, heritage should be called upon to reinforce the vital role of endangered cultural identity and diversity as keys to development.
Selected among 470 abstracts received, 60 papers will be presented at the Symposium in addition to some 100 other presentations which have been retained for short presentations so as to ensure a maximum participation of ICOMOS members at the Scientific Symposium.
