ICOMOS' Mission - Its values
Article Index
Its values: to unite around heritage
Cultural and social diversity, collegiality
From around the world, with diverse and complementary professional backgrounds, researchers, scientists, heritage lawyers, economists, engineers, artisans, professionals, academics, private consultants, elected officials, state representatives, etc.., put their ideas and expertise together in a spirit of collegiality and respect for their cultural and religious differences.
Impartiality
As an NGO, ICOMOS is one of the three Advisory Bodies of the World Heritage Convention. In order to provide the World Heritage Committee with evaluations, it relies on a network of experts, chosen for their expertise and experience, who offer their technical expertise independently and in accordance with the ethical rules.
Exchanges between countries, North-South dialogue, solidarity
ICOMOS, like any organization linked to UNESCO's mission, endeavours to connect peoples and cultures. In this pursuit, the Victoria Falls Fund was created in 2003 to facilitate the mobility of members coming from impoverished countries. In addition, during great natural disasters, ICOMOS makes experts and specialists available in the development of emergency measures for the preservation, conservation and restoration of heritage (Haiti, China, Iran, etc.). It is also a founding member of the Blue Shield.
Transmission and youth involvement
ICOMOS' mission is to raise heritage awareness. It participates in training activities and implicates young researchers and professionals in its issues and actions. The Raymond Lemaire International Fund awards scholarships to young hopefuls to complete their education or add to their professional experiences.
Free Access to Information
Finally, ICOMOS supports free and unrestricted open access to scientific publications through the project "ICOMOS Open Archive: EPrints on Cultural Heritage".