Sarawak hosts the 2026 ICOMOS General Assembly

KUCHING, Oct 14: Sarawak will host the 22nd General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) 2026 from October 17 to 24.

The event brought together some 1,500 international participants from 110 countries to discuss the conservation of cultural and natural heritage.

According to the statement, the eight-day program will take place at Borneo Kuching Convention Centre (BCCK), including a General Assembly, Scientific Symposium, Heritage Expo and various programs open to the public.

The Sarawak Ministry of Urban Development and Natural Resources (MUDENR) is leading participation and cooperation between state agencies, including the Sarawak Forest Corporation (SFC), to highlight biodiversity conservation efforts, protection area management and rainforest conservation.

Among the main additions was the opening of a special MUDENR pavilion at the Heritage Expo which brought together relevant agencies to showcase Sarawak's conservation achievements, environmental initiatives and sustainable development approaches.

The SFC's participation also focuses on the importance of protecting forests, wildlife and a Fully Protected Area (FPA), as well as raising awareness about the relationship between healthy ecosystems, biodiversity and the welfare of local communities.

The Heritage Expo is open to the public in BCCK from 19 to 22 October, from 8.30 am to 5 pm daily, to give visitors an opportunity to get acquainted with Sarawak's cultural and natural heritage as well as institutions responsible for its preservation.

MUDENR along with related agencies also participated in the UNESCO@80 Reflection Program entitled "80 Voices, One Shared Vision", which brings together heritage professionals and the public to discuss knowledge sharing, international cooperation and heritage conservation directions.

Sarawak has two UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely Mount Mulu National Park and the Niah National Park Cave Complex which houses the archaeological heritage. Kuching is also the location of Sarawak's Global Delta Geopark, reflecting the importance of conserving the state's natural landscape and cultural heritage.

A voluntary carbon balancing and tree planting initiative was also introduced to encourage delegates and participants to contribute to environmental conservation efforts in Sarawak.

The programme is also expected to open up space for knowledge exchange, institutional capacity development and cooperation between government agencies, conservation practitioners, academic institutions as well as heritage organisations.

ICOMOS 2026 in Sarawak marks the first time that the General Assembly is being held in Southeast Asia, thus providing an international platform to highlight state experience in balancing heritage conservation, community interest and sustainable development. -TVS