ICOMOS GA 2026
22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium
Kuching, Malaysia · 17–24 October 2026
The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Shared Built Heritage (ISCSBH) will contribute to the 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 in Kuching, Malaysia, under the theme:
“Living Heritage: Respect – Enhance – Accept – Partnership.”
ISCSBH STUDY TOUR – MALAYSIA
9–15 October 2026
The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Shared Built Heritage (ISCSBH) is organizing a study tour in Malaysia prior to the 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 in Kuching.
The study tour focuses on the historic cities of George Town and Melaka, whose rich multicultural urban landscapes offer exceptional examples of shared built heritage shaped by centuries of exchange, trade, migration, and cultural interaction. Through site visits and meetings with local partners, participants will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the heritage themes that underpin the scientific work of ISCSBH.
Study Tour Itinerary
9–12 October — George Town, Penang
12 October — Departure from George Town to Melaka
12–15 October — Melaka
15 October — Departure from Melaka to Kuching via Kuala Lumpur
15 October — Arrival in Kuching
GEORGE TOWN – PENANG
Study Tour Programme
11 October 2026 | 08:30–13:00
Proposal by Dr. Chin Ling Tan
Starting point: Cenotaph War Memorial
Cenotaph War Memorial & the Sea Wall
Fort Cornwallis
Open at 09:00
Thai Pak Koong Temple
King Street
China Street
Shophouses
Street of Harmony (Jalan Kapitan Keling)
St. George's Church
Kong Hock Keong Temple
Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Temple
Kapitan Keling Mosque
Armenian Street
End of the visit
MELAKA
Shared Built Heritage of Melaka, a Living Multicultural Historic City
13–14 October 2026
Delegation:Ms. Maria José de Freitas, President of ICOMOS ISCSBH, with more than 10 heritage experts from ICOMOS Portugal.
Host:ICOMOS Malaysia NSC-CIIC with the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum Melaka.
Accompanied by: Dr. Cand. Li Pei Feng, Chair of ICOMOS Malaysia NSC-CIIC.
DAY 1 — TUESDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2026
DAY 2 — WEDNESDAY, 14 OCTOBE
Coordinator
Dr. Cand. Li Pei Feng
Chair, ICOMOS Malaysia NSC-CIIC
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+60 11-2340 8951
WG#01- ISCSBH Concept – Session 10 (S10) – ICOMOS GA2026
Within our research group, we have been deepening our understanding of shared built heritage by venturing beyond familiar boundaries — exploring India, Africa, Asia and Australia, and tracing the land and sea routes that once connected ports, peoples, societies, cultures, and religions across the globe. Through this journey, three concepts have emerged as central to our work: seriality, connectivity, and global narratives.
We believe this framework resonates strongly with the overarching theme of the Kuching meeting and with the spirit of AGA 2026: RESPECT, ACCEPT, ENHANCE, PARTNERSHIP. We see a compelling opportunity to broaden our inquiry further — integrating new perspectives and examining their profound implications for the way we understand, interpret, and steward shared heritage.
To this end, we are organising Session 10 (S10): Shared Built Heritage: Seriality, Connectivity and Global Narratives, and we warmly invite you to be part of this conversation.
For abstract submission follow the link
https://www.icomosga2026.org.my/abstract/list
We welcome abstract submissions from researchers, practitioners, and heritage professionals working across disciplines and geographies. The deadline for paper submissions has been extended to 7 May, and participation is open both in person in Kuching and online.
Together, through respect, acceptance, enhancement, and partnership, we can forge a richer and more inclusive understanding of our shared built world.
WG#03.2 - ICOMOS GA2026 – ISCSBH STUDY – TOUR
As part of the activities surrounding the ICOMOS General Assembly 2026, the International Scientific Committee on Shared Built Heritage (ISCSBH) is organising a study tour in Malaysia from 9 to 15 October 2026.
The programme focuses on cities with significant examples of shared built heritage, with particular attention to George Town and Melaka (old Malacca). The study tour will provide an opportunity to explore relevant heritage sites, exchange knowledge and discuss the cultural and architectural dimensions of shared built heritage in Malaysia.
In Melaka, participants will also have the opportunity to take part in a guided visit to a museum led by an ISCSBH member, together with visits to other significant heritage sites selected for the programme.
Interested in joining the study tour?
Please contact [e-mail address] by [date] to confirm your participation.
Possible itinerary
Singapore, Pennang, Georgetown, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching
ISCSBH AGM 2025 – Annual General Assembly
The ISCSBH Annual General Meeting 2025, held on 30 December 2025, marked a key moment for reflection and planning. Members reviewed achievements from 2025, discussed challenges, and set priorities for 2026. This meeting also prepared our contributions for the upcoming ICOMOS Triennial General Assembly in Kuching, Malaysia, 2026.
WG01 – ISCSBH Concept: ICOMOS General Assembly 2025, Lumbini
The 2025 International ICOMOS General Assembly, held in Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha, marked a significant milestone for shared heritage. It highlighted the importance of collaboration across scientific committees and national chapters.
Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1997), includes the Maya Devi Temple, ancient monastic ruins, and the Ashokan Pillar. Its universal significance lies in historical, spiritual, and cultural values, aligning with the Symposium theme: “Perceptions of Heritage and Resilience.”
For more information, click here
60 Years of ICOMOS
The 2025 Assembly celebrated the 60th anniversary of ICOMOS with a roundtable and festive dinner on 14 October 2025. Presentations reviewed six decades of achievements, while leaders including Teresa Patrício, Toshiyuki Kono, and regional Vice Presidents reflected on challenges and future visions.
Seven resolutions were adopted, including amendments to the Ethical Principles, reinforcing respectful conduct, cultural diversity, non-discrimination, and professional responsibility.
WG03 – Academic Visits and Lectures: China, October 2025
Dr. Maria José de Freitas visited Beijing and Xi’an, engaging with students and young scholars in shared built heritage.
Highlights:
- Miyun Great Wall: Visits to Panlong Mountain, Gubeikou, Guanmen, and Jijiaying Forts, emphasizing digital interpretation and public engagement.
- Xi’an Sites: Lishan Garden, Terracotta Army, and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda showcased sustainable conservation and living heritage practices.
- Lectures and Workshops: Keynote speeches fostered dialogue, exploring challenges, opportunities, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in heritage management.
Working Groups – New Structure (2025)
As a result of the analysis carried out by our General Secretary, John Ward, and discussed at our last General Assembly on 6 December 2024, we have opted for a new articulation of our Working Groups in 2025:
- WG 01 – SBH Concept – Principles – Perspectives – Dissonant Architecture
- WG 02 – SBH at Risk – Preparedness – Response – Recovery – HIA
- WG 03 – SBH Study Tours – Webinars – Activities – ISC Connections
- WG 04 – SBH Communication – Newsletters – Website
- WG 05 – SBH Support – Secretariat – Members Directory – PUBLICOMUS
- WG 06 – SBH & Emerging Professionals
PUBLICOMUS – Share Your Work!
A new digital platform by ICOMOS, PUBLICOMUS is now available for sharing educational and scientific content produced by ISCSBH members.
Articles, webinars, and academic outputs are welcome.
For more information, click here
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Shared Heritage
With a growing network of dedicated professionals, we look forward to deepening our impact on shared built heritage worldwide. Let’s continue this journey together in 2025 and beyond!
What is SBH?
The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Shared Built Heritage (ISCSBH) was set up to promote greater protection and conservation of the shared heritage built over time by different cultures and civilisations with different social and religious backgrounds. For this purpose, the ISCSBH researches and fosters discussion on the understanding of ‘shared’ and on the management of historical built legacies resulting from multicultural encounters and mutual influences. The group is relatively young, having started in 1998 as the Scientific Committee on Shared Colonial Architecture and Town Planning, and changing its name in 2003 to reflect more open objectives.
In some cases, shared heritage is at the centre of identity narratives constructed by different communities and nations; in others, it is the source of tension, and is therefore neglected. The aim of the scientific group is therefore to understand how shared heritage is valued and promote its revitalization, rehabilitation, and conservation, encouraging the use of existing structures and of traditional building techniques as much as possible.
To this end, the ISCSBH organises meetings, debates, study visits, symposia, and conferences with the aim of disseminating the state of the art in various technical, scientific and academic fields, promoting the exchange of knowledge and, through thematic workshops, trying to instill a taste and curiosity for heritage conservation among young people and emerging graduates.
