Southeast Asia’s first ICOMOS General Assembly closes with historic Kuching Declaration
KUCHING, 24 October 2026 – Southeast Asia's first International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) General Assembly has concluded in Kuching with the adoption of the historic Kuching Declaration, calling for stronger global action to safeguard living heritage, empower Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and protect cultural heritage against growing threats from climate change, disasters and conflicts.
Adopted on October 22 during the 22nd ICOMOS General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2026 (ICOMOS GA2026), the declaration marks a major outcome of the gathering, which brought together 1,800 participants from 110 countries.
The Kuching Declaration establishes ten international commitments aimed at strengthening conservation practices, community leadership, disaster resilience and cooperation among governments, heritage professionals and local communities.
Titled “Kuching Declaration: A Shared Commitment to Safeguarding Living Heritage,” the declaration is guided by four principles: Respect, Enhance, Accept and Partnership. It calls for greater participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in heritage conservation, recognising them as essential partners in safeguarding their cultural heritage.
The declaration also advocates integrating traditional and Indigenous knowledge with scientific research to strengthen disaster preparedness, climate resilience and heritage recovery. It urges greater investment in conservation training, crisis-response capabilities and practical solutions, supported by accountable international partnerships.
Addressed to the United Nations, UNESCO, governments, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and heritage custodians, the declaration calls for these commitments to be translated into concrete policies and actions.
The Declaration further reaffirms the international heritage community's shared responsibility to safeguard living heritage. “We pledge to safeguard living heritage as an enduring source of identity, dignity and mutual understanding for present and future generations,” the Kuching Declaration states.
Speaking at the ICOMOS GA2026 Gala Dinner at the Riverside Majestic Hotel, Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, emphasised that ICOMOS GA2026 should create lasting benefits through stronger international partnerships, practical conservation efforts and greater cultural understanding.
“The legacy of this General Assembly must go beyond the discussions we have had in Kuching. We want the knowledge shared, ideas developed and relationships established here to lead to meaningful action that strengthens heritage conservation and benefits communities. Sarawak looks forward to continuing these partnerships and contributing our own experiences to the international heritage community,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted Sarawak's experience as a multicultural society, where at least 34 ethnic groups have maintained their distinct cultures, traditions and beliefs while building a shared future through mutual respect and understanding.
He expressed hope that ICOMOS GA2026 would mark the beginning of lasting partnerships between Sarawak and the international heritage community, creating opportunities for conservation collaboration and knowledge exchange while positioning Sarawak as a potential global case study of how cultural diversity, mutual respect and understanding can foster peaceful and harmonious societies.
Beyond the General Assembly and Scientific Symposium, ICOMOS GA2026 featured cultural and educational programmes, including activities at the Borneo Cultures Museum, the UNESCO at 80 programmes, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Sarawak Heritage Exposition and delegate tours across Kuching, Bau and Padawan.
The historic gathering also welcomed prominent international figures, including President of the Petra National Trust, Vice President of the ICOMOS International Arab States Regional Group and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, Her Royal Highness Princess Dana Firas of Jordan, as well as Permanent Observer of the Holy See to UNESCO,Monsignor Roberto Campisi.
ICOMOS GA2026 was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Sarawak, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), reflecting the collaboration between national and state agencies in bringing this prestigious international gathering to Sarawak.
As Southeast Asia's first ICOMOS General Assembly concludes, Kuching takes its place in the history of this international gathering, not only as its host city but also as the place where the global heritage community adopted a declaration bearing its name, marking an important milestone for Sarawak and its contribution to international heritage conservation.
