A look back at the ICOMOS 2024 Annual General Assembly in Ouro Preto, Brazil
In 2024, the ICOMOS Annual General Assembly, Advisory Committee meetings and Scientific Symposium were held in Ouro Preto, Brazil, from November 10 to 17.
Ouro Preto is a living testimony to Brazil’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Founded in the 18th century, the city is known for its maze of narrow streets, Baroque churches and colonial mansions, creating a harmonious blend of cultural and natural landscapes. Over 800 heritage experts, practitioners and professionals from around the world convened in Ouro Preto, seizing an important opportunity for meaningful collaboration and to advance the ICOMOS mission in protecting and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Results of the Annual General Assembly
Scientific Symposium on Revisiting the Venice Charter: Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges
The Scientific Symposium, marking the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter, critically examined its relevance in today’s heritage discourse. It explored the Charter’s alignment with contemporary conventions, evolving challenges, and practical applications.
This discussion was closely tied to the ICOMOS Triennial Scientific Plan (2024-2027) on Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, emphasizing the need to address modern heritage challenges, particularly in the face of disasters and conflicts.
Ouro Preto, Brazil’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, was strategically chosen as the venue for its proximity to a major environmental disaster site. This setting enriched discussions on heritage resilience and the ongoing relevance of the Venice Charter.
The Symposium attracted a strong intellectual contribution, with 406 submissions, 375 selected abstracts, and 31 thematic sessions. The high-quality presentations and engagement reinforced its global significance in heritage conservation.
ICOMOS extends its deepest gratitude to Flavio Carsalade, President of ICOMOS Brazil, Leonardo Castriota, ICOMOS Vice-President for the America, and all members of ICOMOS Brazil for their invaluable contributions in making this event a success.
ICOMOS also sincerely appreciates the support of the institutions and organizations whose collaboration and commitment were essential to the event’s realization. A special thank you to:
- Ministry of Culture of Brazil
- Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (IPHAN)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil
- Brasunesco
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP)
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
- Fundação de Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa da UFMG (FUNDEP)
- Conselho de Arquitetura e Urbanismo do Brasil (CAU-BR)
- Secretaria Estadual de Cultura de Minas Gerais
- Instituto Estadual de Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico de Minas Gerais (IEPHA)
- Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)
- Conselho de Arquitetura e Urbanismo de Minas Gerais (CAU MG)
- Prefeitura de Ouro Preto
- Secretaria de Cultura e Turismo de Ouro Preto
- Instituto de Estudos para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (IEDS)