ICCROM actively participated in the International Summer School for Youth & Heritage (ISSYH), an annual international event organized by the International Forum Bosnia (IFB). ISSYH emphasizes the transformative power of cultural heritage in rebuilding communities affected by conflict, where cultural heritage has been both a target and a tool for reconstruction. In this context, the programme provided a poignant platform for sharing experiences and valuable insights relevant to other regions facing similar challenges, such as the Arab world.
The school’s activities took place in Sarajevo, Mostar, and Stolac in Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcoming 21 students from diverse countries. These locations, rich in cultural and historical significance, provided an immersive environment for learning and collaboration.
ICCROM’s contributions
In alignment with ISSYH's mission to promote post-war heritage reconstruction and social recovery, ICCROM's participation enriched the programme by delivering a range of targeted interventions, including:
- Workshops and simulations: Practical sessions on disaster management for cultural heritage and emergency first aid for movable heritage.
- Advanced documentation techniques (documentation studio): A 10-day intensive workshop focused on the latest tools and practices for documenting built heritage.
The documentation workshop culminated with participants creating 3D digital models of significant heritage sites, demonstrating the practical application of photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques. This hands-on training equipped attendees with valuable skills essential for heritage preservation in both post-conflict and disaster-prone contexts.
Key outcomes
The programme yielded significant outcomes, including:
- Enhanced understanding of risk management methodologies tailored to cultural heritage.
- Advanced training in photogrammetry, laser scanning, and emergency response simulations for rescuing damaged museum artifacts.
- Cross-cultural collaboration, fostering shared knowledge and strengthening the global network of heritage professionals.
Support for Arab participants
ICCROM extended support to selected participants from Arab countries facing acute cultural heritage challenges. This initiative enabled them to join peers from across the globe, fostering the exchange of ideas while equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in heritage conservation.
“The Heritage Documentation Studio workshop was an important experience for me because it gave me the chance to gain a new knowledge and skills, that I will be able to use in my future studies and work.”
Malak Sami, Jordan
A platform for resilience and reconciliation
ICCROM & ISSYH continue to stand as testaments to the critical role of cultural heritage in fostering resilience, reconciliation, and cross-cultural understanding. Through their active involvement, underscored the importance of empowering the next generation of heritage professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to address the pressing challenges of heritage preservation in a rapidly changing world.