The International Day for Monuments and Sites is an international observance day which is also known as World Heritage Day, held on every 18th of April to celebrate the cultural importance of the world to make people aware of the importance of cultural monuments and sites and to preserve the world culture. This day offers an opportunity to raise public awareness about the cultural heritage diversity and the efforts to protect and conserve the monuments.
On 18 April 1982, at a symposium occasion organized by ICOMOS in Tunisia, it was proposed that the holding of the “International Day for Monuments and Sites” was held simultaneously around the globe. The Executive Committee approved this proposal, that presented the suggestions to the National Committees with concrete advice about how to coordinate this day.
The UNESCO General Conference also approved the proposal, which adopted a resolution at its 22nd session in November 1983 proposing that the Member States will examine the possibility of establishing an “International Day of Monuments and Sites” on 18 April each year. Traditionally, it was known as World Heritage Day.
Theme for International Day of Monuments and Sites 2023/ World Heritage Day
On the occasion of International Day for Monuments and Sites, every year ICOMOS proposes a theme to celebrate this day. This year, the theme International Day for Monuments and Sites 2023 is entitled as Heritage Changes
The IDMS on April18,2023, offers a good chance to present ideas that highlight the full potential of historical research and methods that lead to routes that are climate resilient while promoting equitable transitions to low-carbon futures.
How may conventional knowledge influence novel and revolutionary climate action?
Think about incorporating energy efficiency, adaptive reuse, and/or conventional, historic building conservation into heritage buildings and landscapes;
Demonstrate how traditional knowledge, customs, and cultural heritage may be used to provide solutions by showcasing new infrastructure development;
Identify the traditional theories and approaches to managing the climate, the environment (both on land and in the water), and the constructed vernacular heritage.
The ongoing conversation about the linkages of climate change and heritage is centered on climate justice and equity
With the current global outbreak of epidemic and prevention measures in different countries around the world, ICOMOS encourages you to celebrate an International Day for Monuments and Sites in accordance with local and national authorities’ directives to ensure participant protection.
In addition, some heritage objects were destroyed or damaged for what they symbolize (e.g., Bamiyan’s Buddhas), thus rejecting any sense of sharing or cultural tolerance. More usually, place values may be contested in the work of heritage, leading to debates about their protection.
How to celebrate International Day of Monuments and Sites remotely?
There are many ideas to celebrate this day remotely, you can post photos and information which are related to the theme in your country and the heritage or activities, like brief (under 30 seconds) slideshows or videos. Ensure that explanations, quotes or information for each picture and hashtags are included. You can upload heritage and cultural images connected with a theme to the ICOMOS Photobank.
Use these hashtags to join 18 April celebrations:
#18April
#ICOMOS
#SharedCultures
#SharedHeritage
#SharedResponsability
#IcomosIDMS2020
Swikriti Dandotia