Heritage experts and specialists from around the world have resolved to move forward by effectively utilizing cultural heritage for peace.

The declaration, organized by ICOMOS Nepal in collaboration with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an organization of experts and experts who protect and promote cultural heritage, after a four-day international scientific conference in Lumbini, has called for world peace from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as conflicts and violence are destroying heritage sites around the world. Similarly, the declaration states that since heritage plays an important role in restoring peace after conflicts and natural disasters, all stakeholders should work at their respective levels and levels to protect it.

ICOMOS Nepal President Gyanin Rai read out the declaration at the Lumbini Square area on Saturday. Similarly, it is said that heritage is not only for cultural identity but also the basis for the economic sustainability of local communities, and only cultural heritage can coexist.

At a time when war and violence are currently damaging heritage in 38 countries around the world, it is believed that the discussions held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, will provide strength to discourage such acts.

Similarly, the participants of the conference recalled that they visited the sacred garden of Lumbini with awareness and a sense of peace, and the role it can play in peacekeeping and heritage conservation, and that it has motivated them to work to restore peace after disruptions in heritage areas due to conflict and natural disasters, the declaration states.

Chilangwa Chaiwa, Vice President of Ecomus International Africa, Zambia, said that the in-depth discussions held at the peace center in the field of heritage conservation and promotion have inspired them to work with great enthusiasm. She said that not only she but all the participants were very excited.

There were 222 foreign participants from 67 countries in the 5 continents. Similarly, more than a hundred Nepalis participated. More than 500 participants participated online from abroad. The conference was attended by archaeologists, heritage experts, architectural engineers, stone experts, experts and researchers related to the conservation of cultural heritage from Zambia to Sweden and Ecuador to Australia. Professor Teresa Patricio of Belgium, President of ICOMOS International, said that the conference and discussions held in Lumbini, the land of peace, were very effective. ‘Its impact will be seen all around soon,’ she said, ‘It will add a milestone in heritage conservation.’  _{Participants of the four-day international scientific conference at the Buddhasthal in Tilaurakot. Photos: Manoj Poudel/Kantipur}

Each day, three groups discussed nine topics in three thematic panels. This process lasted for four days. Similarly, experts from different countries presented 190 working papers. 

Similarly, international experts related to architecture, history, and cultural heritage exchanged experiences and held in-depth discussions in three groups on scientific, technological principles, and operational techniques for the protection of permanent and temporary elements of cultural heritage, said Annie Joshi, secretary of ICOMOS Nepal. New concepts, topics, and technologies in the field of protection and security of cultural heritage sites were also discussed.  

ICOMOS, which is the main advisory body to UNESCO, mainly evaluates cultural and mixed properties proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List from around the world and provides them to the World Heritage Center, said Shristina Shrestha, treasurer of ICOMOS Nepal. ‘That is why it is an important body,’ she said, ‘it is a matter of pride to have the conference in Nepal.’

ICOMOS Jordan President and Princess Dana Firas had proposed organizing the event in Jordan. However, when voting was held, the majority decided to hold it in Lumbini, Nepal. The princess, who is the president of ICOMOS Jordan, is also the vice president of ICOMOS International for the Arab region.

Established in 1965 as an international non-governmental organization for the protection, protection, use and promotion of monuments, cultural landscapes and cultural heritage sites, the International Secretariat of ICOMOS is in Paris. ICOMOS has National Committees in 117 countries, 31 Scientific Committees and 12,715 expert members from 137 countries. 

Earlier, the 60th General Assembly of ICOMOS International was also held in Lumbini. A cake was cut on the occasion. During the four-day General Assembly, a call for world peace was made from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as heritage sites are being destroyed due to conflicts in various countries. Similarly, it has been decided to activate emerging experts in heritage conservation and to hold the 61st General Assembly of ICOMOS in Sarawak, Malaysia in 2026, said Rai, Co-Chairman of the General Assembly and Chairman of the Nepal Chapter.