ICOMOSs

ICOMOSs is the International Council on Monuments and Sites, a non-governmental international organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage. Established in 1965 in the aftermath of the Venice Charter, ICOMOSs coordinates a global network of professionals through its International Council and national committees. Its mission is to preserve architectural, archaeological, and urban heritage through research, documentation, standards setting, and professional training. ICOMOSs operates in formal relation with UNESCO and serves as an advisory body on cultural heritage matters, including World Heritage nomination, evaluation, and conservation policy.

The organization develops charters and guidelines that guide conservation practice, including ethical standards for restoration and the management of historic places. It also runs international scientific committees on various themes and organizes congresses, workshops, and field projects. Notable outputs include widely used charters and guidance such as national-level charters developed by member committees (for example, the Burra Charter developed by ICOMOS Australia).

ICOMOSs governance comprises an international secretariat based in Paris, a president, an executive committee, and a general assembly. Members include individual professionals and national committees representing member states. The network collaborates with other UNESCO-affiliated bodies, universities, and professional societies to promote responsible stewardship of cultural heritage worldwide.